Zaki Temple in Lhasa
Attractions Overview: God Fortune here always answered the needs of people
Attraction Type: Temple
Chinese Name:扎基寺
English Name: Zaki Temple, Grashi Monastery
Best Time to Visit: May
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 Day
Open Hours: All Day
Admission Fee: Free
Address in English: Lhasa City Tibet Autonomous Region
Address in Chinese: 西藏藏族自治区拉萨市
About Grashi Monastery
Grashi Monastery is the only monastery in Tibet worshiping God Fortune. It is small yet very famous and popular locally. There was no documents recording this magic monastery, but Tibetan people said that the God Fortune here always answered the needs of people.
However, this monastery at first was built for people who came here to work, praying for their safety and happiness. This monastery transformed into a place mainly for God Fortune, because almost everyone working here, who lived in mainland before was evolved with business and commerce. It is said that the goddess in Grashi Monastery was actually from mainland in China. Unlike other monasteries and temples, this one is always full of Han people. Also, unlike normal gods, God Fortune in Grashi Monastery is kind of alcoholic. If you want, you can also bring some alcohol and barley wine.
However, at the very beginning, the temple was not popular because it worshiped the God of wealth. It is said that this temple was set up for people who come here to seek peace and most of them were businessmen and their wishes of doing success business became true. Thus, Zaki gradually became the temple of God of wealth.
It is said that the God of wealth is a female God and she is very fond of drinking wine, therefore visitors to this temple would buy a bottle of liquor and a Khata to consecrate her. The liquor is sold just right at the entrance before stepping into the temple, which is only 5 CNY to 7 CNY.
To worship the God, you should stay in line with the other worshipers, take turns to enter a small transparent chamber where the God is seated. A person in charge will take your offered liquors and pour them into a big barrel in front of the chamber. Then you offer your Khata on the altar after making a wish. A pile of Khata is free to grab in front of the door as well.
Attraction Transportation
You can fly to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport(拉萨贡嘎国际机场）and then take the bus to Lhasa City. And then you can drive by yourself or follow the leader to get to.
Attraction Travel Tips
- Traveling Hours: 1 Day
- Traveling Seasons: May and September.
- High Altitude Sickness Avoiding: Better take some medicines for relief and keep warm all the time.
- As there is a large temperature gap between daytime and night, it is highly recommended to take along some pieces of thermal clothing, hat, and gloves and so on.
- Please try your best to respect the religious belief and local customs.
- As well as the Tibet Entry Permit, you also need to apply for Border Permit for traveling as this destination lies near the Chinese territory boundary
