Amongst the three most significant monasteries of the Gelukpa tradition in Tibet, the Sera Monastery stands at the foot of the Tatipu Hill in the northern suburb of Lhasa. The monastery spreads over an area of over 110, 000 square meters and its history states that it was constructed in 1419 in order to preserve the Buddhist treasures which Sakya Yeshe (disciple of the Gelukpa tradition founder Tsong Khapa) received from Emperor Chengzhu of the Ming Dynasty. These treasures include Buddhist statues and objects, gold, silver, silks and satins along with am imperail mandate and sutras.

There are two beliefs as to why the monastery was named Sera. As per the first one, a strong hailstorm occured during the monastery was established while according to the second belief a large tract of wild roses once bloomed at the site where the monastery stands today. Because, both hail and wild roses translate into Sera in Tibetan language, the monastery got its name - Sera.


Though the prime focus of the monastery is education, still a large number of devotees pour in to worship. At one point of time when the monastery was at its peak, it housed over 10,000 monks. Post Chinese invasion of Tibet, the monastery suffered a lot like other monasteries and had to re establish itself in Bylakuppe, near Mysore in India. The monastery that stads in Tibet, today houses less then 1000 monks.

The monastery is open between 9 in the morning to 4 in the evening, however, the best time to visit is during afternoons. It is at this time when the monks of the monastery, after finishing off their classes, assemble in the courtyard and carry out a delightful debate.


Inside
The important structures inside the monastery include Coqen Hall, (the main assembly hall), three Zhacangs (Buddhist colleges) and twenty-nine Khangtsens (monk dormitores).

The main assembly hall stands in the northeast area of the monastery and was constructed in 1710. It is four storey structure supported by 125 pillars. There are five chapels dedicated to the Maitreya, Sakyamuni, Arhats, Tsong Khapa, and Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. This hall is the venue for various important rituals and houses 105 out of 108 volumes of Gangyur of Tripitaka in Tibetan. These volumes were amongst the gifts given to Sakya Yeshe by the Emperor of the Ming dynasty.

The three Zhacang or the Buddhist college include Me Zhacang, Je Zhacang and Ngaba Zhacang. Each of three has its own significance - the Me Zhacang is the oldest one and has beautiful well preserved frescoes, the Je Zhacang is quiet popular for its wonderful display of the Hayagriva and the The Ngaba Zhacang is the place where the founder of the monastery is worshipped. The last one also happens to be the newest and the smallest arena of the monastery.

The twenty nine Kamcun or the dormitories are the place where the monks reside and have their meal. The dormitories have reading halls and tea houses along with a central courtyard. The size of the Dormitory vary from one another but so do the number of monks residing in it. Also, monks from neighbouring area are housed together in one Kancun.


Sera Bengqin Festival
The Sera Monastery celebrates the Sera Bengqin Festival every year on 27 December as per the Tibetan Calendar. The festival sees the Dalai Lama praying for a Dorje Pestle so that Buddha bestows his blessing upon him. This is followed by the president of the Ngaba Zhacang placing the pestle in the monks, who believe that the power and support of the Buddha are now there in the pestle. Since the festival is only celebrated in the Sera Monastery, a number of devotees come in to be part of it every year.


Lhasa
The capital of Tibet, Lhasa, means the holy land or the Buddha land. It is located in the south central portion of Tibet on the north bank of the Lhasa river and spreads over an area of 30,000 sq km. Lhasa became the capital of Tibet during the reign of king Songtsen Gampo and it was his vision which gave shape to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Monastery and many other monasteries and palaces in and around Lhasa. The best time to visit Lhasa is between March to October. It is also advisable for the you to be prepared for a visit to Tibet since it is situated at a great height. The temperature varies from one day to other, hence it is important to keep warm clothes, sunglasses, suntan oil, and a sun hat.


Other Attractions

• Jokhang Temple :The Jokhang Temple, spreading over an area of 25,100 square meters is the prime attraction for any Buddhist tourist in Lhasa. The Jokhang Temple was constructed by king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century so that his Nepalese wife Princess Burikuti and Chinese wife Princess Wen Cheng could install the statues of Buddha they had brought along after their marriage. The four storey timber complex is an amagamation of Tibetan, Nepalese and Tang style. The highlight of the temple is the statue of Sakyamuni which he designed himself and was sculputed in his lifetime. There are just three such statues and the one at Jokhang Temple depicts him as he was at eight.
  
  
  
• Ramoche Monastery : One of the frequently visited Buddhist destinations in Lhasa,Ramoche Monastery covers a total area of 4000 sqm. The monastery was originally constructed in the 7th century and had a heavy influence of the Tang dynasty. The gate of the Ramoche Monastery opened up in the eastern direction thereby representing the agony Princess Wencheng felt at being away from her birth place and parents post marriage to Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The new main building is a three storey structure with an atrium, a scripture hall and a Buddha palace on the first floor and the Dalaia Lama bedroom on the third floor.
  
  
• Potala Palace : The Potala Palace was originally constructed by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and later reconstructed and added upon by the 5th Dalai Lama in the mid 17th century. The 13th Dalai lama too added his bit and brought the monastery to its present size. The Potala Palace that stands on the Red Hill of Lhasa, is quiet famous for its impressive buildings, complex construction and beautiful artwork. The Palace is open for public between 9 in the morning to 12 in the noon and then 3 in the aftrenoon to 5 in the evening. It is advisable for you to purchase your tickets beforehand since the palace allows less than 2300 visitors a day.