Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t22.7

v1.c7.s3.t22.7

Later, Potala Palace has been expanded for many times to reach the scale of present-day. Its appearance combines the characteristics of a palace and Buddhist temple and basically uses the layout of Buddhist Mandala. In the expansion, the original St Guanyin Hall, Dharma Cave and other buildings built in 7th century CE were incorporated in Red Palace. Only some buildings at both ends of White Palace were removed and on the basis of original buildings, White Palace was extended in the direction of west, south and east. Dalai Lama’s resting places are located on the top floor of Red Palace. Below these resting palaces are the Pharmacist Hall, Guru Hall, Mara Hall, Kalachakra Hall and other halls. Below that there are West Palace, Gradual Path Hall in the east, Vidyadhara Hall in the south, fifth Dalai Lama’s Stupa Hall in the west and Bunsen Biography Hall in the north. After the expansion, Potala Palace was more majestic and magnificent and both the external construction and internal decoration showcased Tibetan people’s superb skills and rich artistic creativity.