| The Monasteries of the Zhigung Gagyu Sect |
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A row of monasteries stands by the xoirung River in Maizhokunggar County, east of Lhasa. It is said that there were once 30 monasteries arranged in accordance with the 30 symbols of the Tibetan written language. Seven monasteries still remain, including Zhigungti Monastery which is the central monastery of the Zhigung Gagyu Sect. Built by Zhigungpa Renqenbai in 1179, it was composed of majestic hall spreading along the mountain slope. Unfortunately, it was almost completely destroyed during the war between the Zhigung Gagyu Sect and the Sagya Sect. The monastery that exists today is a later reconstruction. It is currently home to some 300 monks. On top of the mountain behind Zhigungti Monastery is the Zhigung Celestial Burial Ground, the most famous of its kind in Tibet. Hidden away in a mountain gully is the Dezong Buddhist nunnery. The Dezong Hot Spring in the vicinity has an ample supply of hot spring water which is said to cure a wide range of diseases. It attracts numerous visitors who take a dip in the hot spring. Along the lower reaches of the Xoirong River are the Yaragang, Zongze, Zhaxoi and Garze monasteries.
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