Hey, you know what? In the remote and mysterious Xizang plateau, there is a palace. It is towering and magnificent, as if it is the connection point between heaven and earth. But you know what? This palace, which is the Potala Palace we are going to talk about today, has undergone a legendary transformation from a dark history to a holy land. Are you curious about what exactly happened to the Potala Palace? What story is hidden behind it? Let’s unveil the mysterious veil of this palace together!
1、 Potala Palace: Former Center of Power
When it comes to the Potala Palace, do you immediately think of the palace buildings with red and white stripes under the blue sky and white clouds, solemn and sacred? Yes, it is not only a landmark building in Xizang, but also a place of pilgrimage for countless tourists. But you know what? Under this holy and flawless appearance, the Potala Palace was once a pyramid of power and a source of sin.
In 631 AD, King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet ordered the construction of the Potala Palace in order to marry the beautiful Princess Wencheng. Initially, this palace was only used as a residence and Buddhist temple for members of the royal family to reside and practice. But over time, the Potala Palace gradually became the political and religious centralized center of the old Xizang region.
Imagine those rulers, officials, nobles, and upper class monks, who hold great power and control all wealth and land. They lived an extremely luxurious life, while the vast serfs lived at the bottom of society, without human rights or freedom, only tools for rulers to satisfy their desires.
The gold and artifacts in the Potala Palace mostly came from the exploitation of serf owners. These gold were not only used to decorate palaces, but also made into religious objects such as Buddha statues for rulers to worship. But you know what? Behind these Buddha statues lies the blood, tears, and suffering of countless serfs. They work day and night just to exchange for a piece of leftovers, and their labor results become the capital for rulers to show off their power.
Even more shocking was the existence of a torture facility called the ‘Snow Prison’ within the Potala Palace. Does it sound creepy? That’s right, countless horrific tortures have been performed here, such as gouging out eyes, peeling skin, and digging skulls… These punishments are not uncommon here. The serfs suffered inhuman torture here, and their cries echoed among the cold stone walls, but were ignored. The snow prison is not only a hell for serfs, but also a place for making evil artifacts and artworks. Here, human skin is peeled off to make thangkas, bones are carved into ritual objects, and each piece is soaked in the blood of innocent lives.Imagine, when you walk into the Potala Palace and see those exquisite murals and Buddha statues, can you imagine the people who once suffered here? Have they also left a trace here?
2、 Potala Palace: The Transformation from Darkness to Light
However, the wheels of history always roll forward. In 1949, after the founding of New China, the People’s Liberation Army liberated Tibet and ended the feudal serfdom system. The Potala Palace has also transformed from a source of evil to a cultural symbol and famous attraction.
This transformation is undoubtedly a rebirth for the Potala Palace. It is no longer the palace full of sin and darkness, but has become a holy land full of mystery and beauty. Today, the Potala Palace has become a popular tourist destination in Xizang, attracting countless tourists to explore its mystery and beauty.
When you stand in front of the Potala Palace and look up at the towering palace buildings, can you feel the weight and vicissitudes of history? The former rulers have long turned into dust, but the Potala Palace still stands tall, as if telling the story of that legendary history.
Entering the palace, you can see those exquisite murals and Buddha statues. They are vivid and lifelike, as if telling touching stories one by one. But you know what? Behind these murals and Buddha statues, there are also countless blood, tears, and suffering of serfs. Although they were unable to leave their names, their spirit remained forever in this palace.
3、 Potala Palace: a holy land in the hearts of tourists
Nowadays, the Potala Palace has become a tourist destination. Every day, countless tourists come to admire the beauty of this palace. They come from all over the world, with different backgrounds and stories, but share a common goal – to explore the mystery and beauty of the Potala Palace.
In front of the Potala Palace, you can see tourists taking photos as mementos, wanting to permanently freeze the beauty of this palace in their memories. They stand or sit, laugh or sigh, all expressing their reverence and love for the Potala Palace in their own way.
Entering the palace, you can hear the admiration and astonishment of the tourists. They were stunned by the exquisite murals and Buddha statues, as if they were in a mysterious world. Here, they can temporarily forget the troubles of the world and feel the tranquility and peace from within.
Of course, there are also tourists who are shocked and angry about the dark history of the Potala Palace. They believe that this palace is a symbol of the feudal serfdom system and a capital for those rulers to show off their power. But no matter what, we cannot forget this period of history, nor can we forget those who once suffered here.