1882.] 
Sarat Chandra Das —Contributions on Tibet. 
89 
refreshed him who was so long tired by continual marches in the endless 
steppes of Mongolia, and broke the monotony of his journey. The Emperor’s 
palace, environed by numerous shrines, appeared like a celestial mansion. 
The most remarkable of all the buildings at Ye-hor were the two monas¬ 
teries called Potala and Tasi-lhunpo, newly erected after their prototypes 
of IT and Tsan. Their workmanship and architectural finish struck 
him with wonder. Just as he was stepping to the back of this sublime 
eminence, there arrived, accompanied by Chankya Einpochhe and many 
high officials, the Emperor’s prime minister Ar-a-phu-gun, to conduct 
His Holiness before the Emperor’s presence. First they presented him with 
the Emperor’s Ichatag 68 and with tea. He was then conducted, carried on a 
State sedan, towards the palace gate, the left and right sides of which were 
lined with innumerable banners and umbrellas, amidst the solemn and 
imposing music of drums, cymbals, and clarionets. The Emperor, descend¬ 
ing from his throne, came to the door of the reception-room to welcome 
His Holiness. As soon as he saw the Emperor’s face, the Panchhen was 
attempting to kneel down, when the Emperor stopped him. Then the 
Emperor, presenting the auspicious Tchatag , softly touched his hands and 
said—“ Welcome, Lama ! Is your Holiness’s health all right P On 
account of the length and tediousness of the journey, I believe your 
Holiness has become exceedingly fatigued ?” “ By your Imperial Majesty’s 
mercy and kindness,” replied the Panchhen, “ no fatigue or weariness could 
do me harm.” After a copious exchange of sincere and polite expressions, 
the Emperor, holding his hand, conducted him to the top of a spacious 
throne where, seated confronting each other, they conversed as intimate 
friends. The Emperor added, “ Your Ploliness has arrived here at a very 
happy and auspicious time. To-day is the 70th anniversary of my birth. 
I am exceedingly delighted.” After a few minutes’ stay here, the Emperor 
conducted him to the great palace, where seated as before, they both re¬ 
freshed themselves with delicious tea and engaged in conversation. On this 
occasion the Emperor took off from his own neck the necklace of pearls of 
inestimable value,—each pearl as large as an apricot—and put it on the 
Lama’s neck. He also presented His Holiness with a yellow satin hat, 
the top of which was adorned with a pearl as large and regular as a 
hen’s egg. Presently, they went to the new monastery of Tasi-lhunpo 
where a grand and sumptuous dinner was served. As soon as it was 
finished, the Panchhen’s presents were laid before the emperor. They 
consisted of a silver mandal, images of Buddha, Tsonkhapa and 
Sambhara wrought in solid gold, one thousand gold satis, 69 1000 saddle 
ponies, turquoises, corals, and amber, besides incense sticks, 70 European 
69 A gold san is equivalent to 60 Rupees. 
70 Called in China joss-sticks. 
