Palajing Pagoda

　　Palajing Pagoda is situated on the slopes of the northern bank of the Nujiang River in Liangqu Township, Biru County, about 20 kilometers from the county town. It is an affiliated structure of the Gonsar Monastery. The pagoda was built in 1611 AD under the advocacy of monks Rangduo and Xijia Renqing. Belonging to the Kagyu sect, the main pagoda stands approximately 30 meters tall, surrounded by over 150 smaller stupas built around the main one. The stupa complex covers an area of 300 square meters. Palajing Pagoda boasts grand architecture and a long history, with abundant cultural relics inside, including a crystal stupa that is considered a rare treasure. Historical records indicate that the treasure pagoda was established in 1071 AD by the Kadampa geshe Nyewuso. At that time, fragments of white crystal descended from the Thirty-Three Heavens and naturally formed a white crystal stupa — the very one regarded as the monastery’s sacred treasure. This is how Palajing Pagoda got its name. However, the other surrounding stupas were built by Jue’aojie, and later his disciples constructed thirteen more stupas — the famous Thirteen Great Stupas of the Tibetan region. Legend has it that these pagodas possess powerful blessings and can eliminate troubles and illnesses.

　　Standing at Palajing Pagoda and looking down, not far away is the roaring Nujiang River flowing eastward. Across the river from the pagoda lies the widely renowned Gonsar Monastery. About 5 kilometers behind the pagoda, halfway up Meiba Mountain, there are mani stone piles and meditation caves. Inside one of the caves, there is a shrine and remnants of footprints left by previous meditators. A natural spring of clear water gushes from the ground, and it is said that drinking this water greatly enhances the success of spiritual practice. Countless people have attained enlightenment in this cave. Nearby on the mountainside, there is a massive rock revered deeply by devotees, believed to be the dwelling place of the monastery’s guardian deity. It is devoutly worshipped annually.

　　Although the current Palajing Pagoda is still magnificent and spectacular, it is no longer the original historical structure. The Cultural Revolution in 1966 led to the complete destruction of the small scripture hall and all other buildings, leaving nothing but ruins. All the monks were sent back home, and the temple's Buddhist scriptures, statues, and cultural relics were completely lost, interrupting all religious activities. However, after 1984, with strong support from Living Buddha Riwang Danzeng and others, comprehensive restoration work was carried out, transforming it into the well-known religious site for visitors to admire today.

　　

　　Source: Biru County Tourism Bureau