Namtso or the heavenly
lake lies 190 km north-west of Lhasa at an elevation
of 4718 metres above the sea level,
70 kilometers in lenghth, 30 kilometers in width and
1940 square kilometers in size. It is located 60 kilometers
northwest of Dangxiong County. It is both the highest
and biggest salt water lake in the world.
Meaning Heavenly Lake in Tibetan, Namtso is respected
as one of the four holiest lakes and the seat of Paramasukha
Chakrasamvara by Buddhist pilgrims. Buddhists believe
Buddha's, Bodhisattvas and Vajras will assemble to hold
religious meeting at Namtso in the year of sheep on
Tibetan calendar. Circumambulation around the lake at
the right moment equals 100 thousand times of that in
normal years. Hence thousands of pilgrims from every
corner in the 5th & 6th month of the Tibetan calendar
each year, many Buddhists come to the lakeside on pilgrimage
to pay homage and pray. Deep tracks are worn into the
lakeshore due to this activity. In history, monasteries
stood like trees in a forest around Lake Namtso attracting
large numbers of pilgrims with eminent monks in Buddhist
temples developing body and character and extending
Buddhism. On the four sides of the lake stand four monasteries,
which have Buddhist meanings.
onferred with titles and authority to administrate.
After the Ming Dynasty was established, Tibetan high
lamas were summoned to the imperial court to receive
titles and appointments.
