Jonang Monastery is known as the birthplace of the Jonang tradition. The original foundation was laid by Kunpang Tukje Tsondru, traditionally said to have occurred in 1294. However, few people stayed at the monastery following Kunpang's time; the Jonang tradition as it is known today began in earnest nearby, at the Richo Chenmo, the Great Mountain Hermitage, where Dolpopa Sherab Gyeltsen, one of the most important Buddhist masters in Tibetan history and the most important figures connected with the Jonang, built a magnificent stūpa in 1333. This was the seat of Jonang activity until Tāranātha, who held the abbot chair from 1588 until at least the 1620s, built a new seat at Takden Puntsok Ling. Associated hermitages are Kyipuk Deden and Khacho Deden.