Taranatha and the murals of Takten Damchöling (Ganden Phuntsokling), Central Tibet

 Tyesday March 10, 2026, conference by Kunsang Namgyal-Lama, Lecturer at INALCO and EPHE, Associate Researcher at Cesah

Thanks to the patronage of the Tsang rulers, Taranatha (1575-1634), a charismatic religious leader of the Jonang order, built the main temple of Takten Damchöling (later renamed Ganden Phuntsokling) around 1615. This imposing building preserves a collection of murals unique in Tibet, whose iconographic programs have so far only been partially studied. Executed approximately between 1617 and 1630 in various chapels spread over three levels, they depict deities from tantric cycles specific to the Jonang order, such as Kalacakra and Vajravega, scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as rarer iconographic programs executed in a highly original style.

This conference, based on ongoing research, will provide an opportunity not only to shed light on Taranatha’s iconographic and stylistic choices but also to highlight the unique aspects of his project.