Picture of Gyanak Mani: three old women on their way around the kora (Jyekundo/Yushu, China)

Three old women on their way around the Gyanak Mani

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Not just home to the largest collection of prayer stones in Tibet, but also one of the best koras, Gyanak Mani is a must-see for anyone in the area.
Just outside the town of Jyekundo lies Gyanak Mani. More than just another sacred place for Tibetans, Gyanak Mani holds the largest collection of prayer stones or mani, not just in Tibet but in the entire world. According to some estimates, there may even be a couple of billion prayer stones here. While that might seem exaggerated, upon approaching Gyanak Mani you directly see small hills consisting solely of prayer stones. I walked around the complex, and on the backside, entered one of the openings. I found myself surrounded by prayer stones, many carved, not just with the inevitable "Om mani padme hum" or "hail to the jewel in the lotus", an often recited mantra. Most stones were just engraved with religious texts, but some were colourfully decorated with gracefully carved Tibetan characters. I also saw a few yak skulls, also engraved with Tibetan writing.
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