Chokpori Rock Carvings

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

Chokpori Hill is approximately 500 m west of the Potala Palace in Lhasa and is the site with the most rock carvings in Tibet. Originally, a lama physician resided in the cave at the top of the hill, and the Fifth Dalai Lama established a medical school here, hence the name Chokpori, which means “Hill of the Medicine King.” Development of the site began during the Tibetan Empire (circa 7th–9th century) and was completed during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Various styles of bas-relief, mid-relief and high-relief sculptures, as well as line engravings, numbering at more than 15,000 carvings in total, can be found on all sides of the hill.
A large Acala is the focus of the cliff carvings, accompanied by various figures such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Wisdom Kings, Taras, dakinis, and Dharma protectors. Newer carvings were placed on top of older ones, resulting in some overlap. Most of the figures are painted, but some have uncolored faces. The carvings are mostly the work of folk artisans for the accumulation of merit.