The only temple of God of Wealth in Tibet is dedicated to an alcoholic goddess of wealth. Although the temple is small, it is full of incense.

Traveling to Tibet without going to temples is basically equivalent to not coming, because 90% of the scenic spots here are related to religion. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is a temple in Lhasa every 100 step, because many temples are hidden in markets or residential buildings except the well-known Jokhang Temple.

Of course, the "Four Forests", "Three Temples" and the Regent's Palace with its own label are the key targets of tourists, but there is another temple in the northern suburb of Lhasa, which is the only temple of the God of Wealth in Tibet-Ji Zha Temple. Although the area is small, the incense here is very strong, because the gods worshipped are quite effective.

Zaki Temple is far away from the old city of Lhasa, but it is the only temple of the God of Wealth in Tibet and a subordinate temple of gelug sect monasteries Zhongsela Temple. The name of Zaji Temple comes from the word Zaba, which is translated into a monk in Tibetan, and "Ji" is the Tibetan pronunciation of the number "4". Zhaji Temple is a "four monks and one temple", that is, the name of the temple is determined according to the number of people originally sent by Sera Temple to manage this temple.

The so-called "far from the old city", Qianmen refers to the continuation of Tibetan customs. In the local concept, the old city of Lhasa refers to Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Zhaji Temple is located in Zhaji East Road in the northern suburb of Lhasa. Although it is not far from the city center, it is not close to the "old city".

According to local customs, it is very particular to pay homage to battery temple. On Wednesday, we pray for peace, and on Friday, we pay tribute to health. The God of Wealth in Ji Zha Temple not only bestows wealth, but also protects the land.

The "God of Wealth" in Zaki Temple is a goddess from the Han Dynasty, known as "Zakiram" in Tibetan, and is the embodiment of the "lucky mother" who protects Lhasa. "Ram" is also translated as a fairy in Tibet.

According to legend, Zakiram came to Lhasa with a high-ranking monk from the Sera Monastery. The goddess used to be a concubine in the palace, but she died of poisoning. Ghosts have been reluctant to leave for a long time. Later, the master devoted himself to Buddha and came to Lhasa. Now we can see that Zakiram is enshrined in a Buddhist shrine in the main hall of the temple.

However, the image of the goddess is not as beautiful as people think, with a black face, big eyes and a long red tongue hanging down from the maw. Zakiram was originally a beautiful imperial concubine, but she was poisoned by jealousy, resulting in black cheeks and unable to take back her tongue. She lost her feet and put on a pair of chicken feet. The vestment of Tianmu statue is too wide and full for us to see at ordinary times.

Zakiram served as the patron saint of Zakiram when he came to Lhasa. The original Zakiram Temple was not prosperous because of seeking wealth, but was built for outsiders to seek peace. With more and more people coming to Lhasa for business, everyone likes to come here to worship, and it is very effective after worshipping God, so there is the saying of "the temple of God of Wealth".

Before entering the main hall of Ji Zha Temple, I had smelled the mellow wine, and then there was a long queue outside the temple. Most people who come to pay homage are holding bottles in one hand and Hada in the other, because Zakiram, who is enshrined in the temple, loves to drink.

Usually, the third day of the week is the busiest day in Zakiram Temple. Believers will bring Hada, ghee, wormwood pine leaves and, most importantly, Zakiram's favorite white wine. After entering the main hall, give the wine to the monk who is in charge, and the monk will pour it into the jar in front of the altar.

In addition to worshipping Zakiram, there is another thing worth a try when you go to Zakiram Temple, that is, divination and fortune-telling in the temple. Every day, many people line up here to ask the monks for advice, but if they don't understand Tibetan, they may need an interpreter to explain.

Walking on the streets of Lhasa, I smell the smoke from the mulberry stove from time to time, and then look at the pious faces in front of me.

If you are also interested in Tibet and curious about the things here, don't miss the opportunity to go there in person. In fact, Lhasa is not only the Potala Palace, but many small temples like Zaji Temple are better interpretations of Tibet.