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Yumbu
Lakang
 Yumbu
Lakang is the oldest-known dwelling in Tibet,
its construction surrounded by various myths
and legends associated with the founding
of the Tibetan civilization. One such myth
tells that King Nyatri Tsenpo descended
from heaven in the 2nd century BCE to build
the castle. Another legend claims that the
28th King of Tibet, Lha Totori Nyentsen,
resided here late in the 4th century.
Although some archaeologists
support the claim that the foundations of
the building date back two millennia, a
larger historical consensus dates the structure
to the reign of King Songtsen Gampo (r.
608-650 CE). As well as enlarging the structure
that may have pre-existed to a size far
exceeding today's castle, he also set up
the two-story chapel here, investing the
castle with a secondary monastic function.
Subsequent kings expanded the castle-monastery;
the Fifth Dalai (1617-82), declaring King
Songsten Gampo to be an incarnation of the
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara gilded its roof.
Unfortunately, during the Cultural
Revolution (1966-76), Yumbu Lakang was severely
damaged. Much of the outer walls were destroyed
and its interiors were gutted. Consequently,
much of the Indian inspired inner fittings
have been lost. With the exception of the
building's ancient foundations, much of
the present structure dates to the reconstruction
of 1982.
The Yumbu Lakang complex, positioned
dramatically on the crest of a hill, consists
of three components: the tower, the chapels
and the monks' quarters. The three-storied
tower, located at the east of the complex,
contrary to its appearance is only 11 metres
(approximately 33 feet) high. Each floor
contains a small chapel located within its
limited interior space. The main chapel
building was also originally three stories
high. However, only two of these storeys
were rebuilt during reconstruction in 1982.
Of these, the first is dedicated to the
historical Kings of Tibet and the second
to local Buddhist deities. The final component
of the structure, the monks' quarters, are
located to the south of the chapel building.
The Nyingma sect monks, whose duty it was
to upkeep the castle and chapel, were quartered
on the first floor, while the second floor
room, adjacent to the chapel's second floor,
was reserved for the use of the Dalai Lama.
Not far from the ancient castle,
is a plot of land shaped like a scythe (when
viewed from the air), and enclosed by low
walls. This is known as Zorthang, Scythe
Plain, and is reputed to be the first cultivated
field in Tibet. It is a tradition for pilgrims
and farmers alike to collect soil from this
place and to sprinkle it on their own plots
to ensure a good harvest. Each year at sowing
time the small community of monks, still
at Yumbu Lakang, conduct rituals to propitiate
its earth spirits.
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