Uru Katsel is situated north of the confluence of the Kyi-chu and Meldro Phu-chu rivers, it was originally one of the four district-controlling geomantic temples, specifically constructed by King Songtsen Gampo on the right shoulder of the RI supine ogress, which represented the rigor of the Tibetan terrain. The antiquity of the Tukdam Tsuklakhang at Katsel, with its unusually sloping walls, has been remarked upon by Hugh Richardson, who visited the site during the 1940s. Subsequent temples were added to the complex from the time of Padmasambhava onwards, and the monastery was later adopted by the Drigungpas.
The main building at Katsel has been reconstructed on three floors, the lowest of which has three successive chapels. Of these, the innermost chapel contains central images of the Buddhas of the Three Times; and side images of Green Tara and Drigung Rinchen Phuntsok, as well as a stupa in which the latter’s relics are preserved. The middle chapel contains a library, including the volumes of the Kangyur and Tangyur.
