DHARAMSHALA: The 14th Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration today expressed its deep sadness at the destruction, caused by fire to the historic Jamchen Choekhorling monastery at Lithang in Kardze prefecture (incorporated into China’s Sichuan province).
“The Kashag would like to send its deepest condolences to the monks of the monastery and the Tibetans in Lithang. We are concerned with the destruction caused by fire to some historic statues and artefacts of the monastery. We pray for the quick restoration of the monastery and for the continuation of its four hundred year old tradition of spreading the dharma,” the Kashag said.
A massive fire has extensively damaged the main prayer hall of the monastery on 16 November 2013. At least two Tibetans were reported to be injured in the fire. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained but local Tibetans suspect the fire was caused due to a short circuit or a butter lamp.
The monastery was founded in 1580 by the Third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso. The monastery holds a significant place in the history of Tibetan struggle as it became a major target of bombardment by the Chinese communist forces in 1956.