|
Tibetan temple to be restored
23/12/2005 10:36 - (SA)
Shanghai - A major temple on the verge of collapse in Tibet where the Pachen Lama, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important leaders has traditionally resided, will be restored.
The Sangtsu Tsezung Palace, a 600-year old building in the town of Xigaze 250 kilometres from the Tibetan capital Lhasa, has long been recognised as a major pilgrimage destination.
The palace has fallen into disrepair and is now on the verge of collapse but its foundations are still solid.
The city of Shanghai is sponsoring the renovations, offering 40 million yuan (about R35m).
The temple was built in 1363. The main structure of the palace is more than 120 metres high and has a similar architectural style to the 1300-year-old Potala Palace in Lhasa.
The Pachen Lama is the second highest spiritual leader of Tibet, second only to the Dalai Lama.
The 11th Pachen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was born in 1989 and officially recognised in May 1995. The boy and his parents disappeared from their home within days of the announcement.
In 1996, Chinese authorities admitted to holding the Panchen Lama and his parents in police custody.
He has not been released and Chinese authorities have not released the details of his detainment.
- AFP
|
News
