Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelug sect, became a monk at 7 years old. At 16, he left his home town, Huangzhong county of Qinghai province and went to Lhasa to learn the sutras of the Buddhism.

He served apprenticeships for dozens of eminent monks and then publicized his opinions on Buddhism by recruiting many disciples.

Sponsored by Phagdru family, in 1409, he started prayer meeting at the first Lunar month in Lhasa and built Gandain Monastery at the same year, which symbolized the founding of the Gelug sect.

Gandain Monastery was built by Tsongkhapa in 1409.[Photo/China Tibet Online]