Who was King Gesar ?
King Ling Gesar is the greatest hero in Tibetan culture. His life story became the world’s longest epic—an oral tradition spanning over a million verses, passed down through generations of storytellers.
Born in 1038 (Earth Tiger year, Tibetan calendar) on the grasslands of what is now Dege County, Sichuan, Gesar began life in poverty. His name was Joru, son of Sengchen (of the Ling tribe) and Gotsa Lhamo. His mother was not the principal wife, so they lived in a small tent near the main camp.
As a child, he clashed with his uncle and was exiled from Ling in 1045, moving with his mother to Mame Yulong Songdo.
The Horse Race That Changed History
In 1049, a messenger arrived with news: a horse race would determine the next king of Ling. All male descendants of the Ling family were eligible—including Joru.
Though they lived in poverty, Joru and his mother owned a fine chestnut horse. Guided by destiny, Joru returned, entered the race, and won.
In 1050, he ascended the throne as King Ling Gesar.
The Great Conqueror
Tibet was fragmented. Tribes in Shangshung, Ladakh, and surrounding lands followed Bon or fell under dark forces. King Gesar united them, conquering 18 great tribes and 25 smaller ones, spreading Buddhism and bringing peace to the land.
He ruled until his death in 1119 (Earth Pig year, second Rabjung).
Sacred Sites in Dege
The birthplace of King Gesar lies on the Axu Grasslands, near Lingtsang Chacha Monastery in Dege County. The exact location is Jisuyag Kangdo, where:
Two streams meet
Two grasslands lie like carpets
Two cliffs face each other like arrow feathers
A rock shaped like a giant frog marks the spot
Today, visitors can still see:
| Site | Significance |
|---|---|
| Divine horse footprints | Traces of Gesar’s celestial horse |
| Mother’s tent site | Where Gotsa Lhamo lived |
| Black Raven brothers site | Where young Joru defeated three demons |
| Zhanalong Cave | Where Gesar subdued Gongpa Ranza |
| Xiqiong Nibi Gorge | Site of demon Kektsen Ruru’s defeat |
| Guoda Castle ruins | Where Joru and mother lived in exile |
King Gesar Memorial Hall
A rebuilt memorial hall stands near the birthplace, featuring statues of:
King Gesar
30 heroic warriors – including the three eagle-wolf warriors led by Chakshong Dama
Seven elite soldiers led by Gacha
Eight deities of Ling led by Brahma
Eight heroines led by Senshang Jumu
80 great achievers
