The red fortress-like structure of Tsongkhapa’s mausoleum, also known as the Serkhang, is probably the most impressive of the reconstructed buildings at Ganden. It’s above the prominent white chörten. Red Guards destroyed both the original tomb and the preserved body of Tsongkhapa inside it. The new silver-and-gold chörten was built to house salvaged fragments of Tsongkhapa’s skull.
The main entrance leads to a new prayer hall with a small sand mandala and an inner Sakyamuni chapel. The protector chapel to the right is the domain of the three main Gelugpa protectors: Chögyel (far right), Dorje Jigje and Palden Lhamo. Women are not allowed into this chapel.
Stairs lead to the upper floors and the holy Yangpachen Khang (or Serdung) chapel, which houses Tsongkhapa’s funeral chörten. The chapel is named after the stone in the back left, covered in offerings of yak butter, which is said to have flown from India. The images seated in front of the chörten are of Tsongkhapa flanked by his two principal disciples. The room also holds several holy relics attributed to Tsongkhapa. Pilgrims line up to buy votive inscriptions written in gold ink by the monks. Protective amulets and high-quality incense are sold outside the chapel.
You can sometimes climb up to the roof for good views.
