Shigatse Area
Shigatse with a population of around 40,000, is the second largest city in Tibet, and the traditional seat of Panchen Lama. Tsong Khapa, the originator of the Yellow Hat Sect (Gelukpa, 14th century), advocated strict celibacy and discipline, the idea of reincarnation of Grand Lamas was one way of 'continuing the line'. The principle was well established by the 16th century and the highest incarnation became the Dalai Lama with the second highest reincarnation being the Panchen Lama. The official Panchen Lama's residence is Tashilhunpo monastery , built in 1447, although it did not really become the seat of the Panchen Lama untill almost 200 years later.
page[1]page
