The Treasury of Lives

Hugh Richardson, Public Domain

Nechung Monastery, located just south of Drepung near Lhasa, is the seat of the Nechung Oracle, the State Oracle of Tibet, who is the human host for the protector deity Pehar Gyelpo, also known as Dorje Drakden. The first temple at Nechung was constructed in the twelfth century. The monastery was rebuilt and expanded during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama and the reign of Desi Sanggye Gyatso in the seventeenth century. Originally a Nyingma establishment, Nechung later developed a close relationship with Drepung Monastery. From the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, the Nechung oracles have held highly influential positions in the government and were frequently consulted on state matters. The current Nechung Oracle lives in exile where he continues to closely consult the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Sources

Akester, Matthew. 2016. Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's Guide to Central Tibet. Chicago, IL: Serindia Publications, pp. 112-113.

Dowman, Keith. 1988. The Power-Places of Central Tibet: The Pilgrim's Guide. London: Routledge, pp. 66-67.

Gyurme Dorje. 2009. Tibet Handbook. Bath: Footprint, pp. 132-133. 

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