Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang | |
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Bhutanese | |
Date established | 9th century (as a meditation cave) 1692 (formally built as a monastery) |
Paro Taktsang (
A later monastery complex was built in 1692 by 4th Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgey around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated and practiced with students including Yeshe Tsogyal before departing the kingdom of Tibet in the early 9th century.[2][3] Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan, which was then part of Tibet, and is the tutelary deity of the country.[4] Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen taktsang or "tiger lair" caves in which he and his students meditated.
The shrine dedicated to Padmasambhava, also known as Gu-ru mTshan-brgyad Lhakhang or "the Shrine of the Guru with Eight Names", refers to Padmasambhava's
History
Background and legends
According to the Namthar of the Lhakhang, it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this location from Singye Dzong on the back of a tigress.[9] This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.[citation needed]
An alternative legend holds that a former wife of an emperor willingly became a disciple of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambahva) in Tibet. She transformed herself into a tigress and carried the Guru on her back from Tibet to the present location of the Taktsang in Bhutan. In one of the caves here, the Guru then performed meditation and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and the place became holy. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger's Nest”.[9]
The popular legend of the Taktsang monastery is further embellished with the story of
Establishment as a meditation site
As noted before, the monastery was built around the Taktsang Senge Samdup (stag tshang seng ge bsam grub) cave, where custom holds that the Indian Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. He flew to this place from Tibet on the back of Yeshe Tsogyal, whom he transformed into a flying tigress for the purpose and landed at the cliff, which he "anointed" as the place for building a monastery. He established Buddhism and the
From the 11th century, many Tibetan saints and eminent figures came to Taktsang to meditate, including
17th century to present: The modern monastery
In the 17th century the well-known Tertön Pema Lingpa of Bumthang, who founded many monasteries in various parts of Bhutan, was also instrumental in creating religious and secular dance forms from his conception of the 'Zandog Pelri' (the Copper Colored mountain), which was the abode of the Guru Padmasambahva (which is the same place as the Paro Taktsang or Tiger's nest). This dance is performed in Paro as the Tsche festival. But it was during the time of Ngawang Namgyal of the Drukpa subsect, who fled Tibet to escape persecution by the opposing sect of the Gelugpa order (which dominated Tibet under the Dalai Lamas), that an administrative mechanism was established in Bhutan.[citation needed]
In due time, he established himself in Bhutan as a 'model of rulership' and was known as the "Shabdrung" with full authority. He wanted to establish an edifice at the Taktsang Pel Phuk site. It was during a Tibetan invasion of Bhutan in 1644-46 that Shabdrung and his Tibetan Nyingmapa teacher gTer-ston Rig-’dzin sNying-po had invoked Padmasambhava and the protective deities at Taktsang to give them success over the invaders. He performed the bka’ brgyad dgongs ’dus rituals associated with the celebrations of Tshechu. Bhutan won the war against Tibet However, Shabdrung was not able to build a temple at Takstsang to celebrate the event, even though he very much wanted to do so.[5][10][11][12]
The wish of Shabdrung to build a temple here, however, was fulfilled during the 4th Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye (1638–96), the first, and only successor of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Zhabs-drung Ngag-dbang rNam-rgyal), "a distant cousin from a collateral line descending from the 15th century ‘crazy saint’ Drukpa Kunley". During his visit to the sacred cave of Taktsang Pel Phuk during the Tshechu season of 1692 he laid the foundation for building the temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche called the ‘Temple of the Guru with Eight Names’ (’gu ru mtshan brgyad lha-khang). It was a decision taken by Tenzin Rabgye while standing at the cave overlooking the Paro valley. At this time, he was leading the Tshechu festival of religious dances.[5] At that time the only temples reported to be in existence, at higher elevations, were the Zangdo Pelri (Zongs mdog dPalri) and Ugyen Tsemo (Urgyan rTse-mo).[5]
Fire destruction
On April 19, 1998,
Geography
The monastery is located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the north of Paro and hangs on a precarious cliff at 3,120 metres (10,240 ft), about 900 metres (3,000 ft) above the
Near the beginning of the trail is a water-powered prayer wheel, set in motion by a flowing stream. The water that is touched by the wheel is said to become blessed and carries its purifying power into all life forms in the oceans and lakes that it feeds into.[19] On the approach path to the monastery, there is a Lakhang (village level monastery) and a temple of Urgyan Tsemo ("U-rgyan rTse-mo") which, like the main monastery, is located on a rocky plateau with a precipitous projection of several hundred feet over the valley. From this location, the monastery's buildings are on the opposite ravine, which is known by the name “Copper-Colored Mountain Paradise of Padmasambhava”. This is the view point for visitors and there is a cafeteria to provide refreshments.[20] The trek beyond this point is very scenic with the sound of the water fall breaking the silence.[21] Along the trek route blue pine trees, prayer flags and kiosks selling paraphernalia for worship (such as prayer wheels, temple bells and skulls) are seen. The route is scattered with number of temples. On this path, a large water fall, which drops by 60 metres (200 ft) into a sacred pool, is forded over by a bridge. The track terminates at the main monastery where colorful paintings are displayed. Guru Rinpoche's cave where he meditated is also seen. This cave is opened for public viewing only once a year.[22]
Structure
Exterior
The monastery buildings consist of four main temples and residential shelters ideally designed by adapting to the rock (granite) ledges, the caves and the rocky terrain. Out of the eight caves, four are comparatively easy to access. The cave where Padmasmabhava first entered, riding the Tiger, is known as 'Tholu Phuk' and the original cave where he resided and did meditation is known as the 'Pel Phuk'. He directed the spiritually enlightened monks to build the monastery here. The monastery is so precariously perched that it is said: "it clings to the side of the mountain like a
All the buildings are interconnected through steps and stairways made in rocks. There are a few rickety wooden bridges along the paths and stairways also to cross over. The temple at the highest level has a frieze of Buddha. Each building has a balcony, which provides lovely views of the scenic Paro valley down below. The Monasteries have ancient history of occupation by monks, as hermitages.[7][23]
Other structures within the precincts
Taktshang Zangdo Pari is the place where Padmasmbahava's wife, known as the “Fairy of Wisdom”, Yeshe Tshogyal (Ye-shes mtsho-rgyal), the founder of the Mon, a convent, by the same name as Taktshang and also two other convents. The present caretaker of the place is said to be an old nun supported by a young trainee.
Another important place near the shrine is the Urgyan Tsemo, the “Peak of Urgyan” which has a small Mani Lakhang. The prayer wheel, turned by an old monk, resounds with chimes that are heard every day at 4 am. Above the Urgyan is the holy cave temple known as 'Phaphug Lakhang' (dPal-phug IHa-khang), which is the main shrine of the Taktshang. It is also the residence of the Head Lama, Karma Thupden Chokyi Nyenci.
Paintings
The “Copper-Coloured Mountain Paradise of Padmasambahva” (Zangdopari) is vividly displayed in a heart shape on every
The holy hill is drawn in the backdrop with four faces painted with different colors – the east face is in crystal white color, the south face is yellow, the west is in red color and the north has green color. The palace has four sides and eight corners with its lower and upper tiers adorned with jewels. The courtyard with four enclosures is said to represent four kinds of conduct. The walls are built with bricks, balconies have been bejewelled with religious symbols. The ambience is shown in the form of wishing trees, fountains of the water of life, rain bows in five colors with cloud formations and light emanating from lotus flowers. The palace is also shown with a throne with eight corners fully and curiously bejewelled. Padmasmbahva is shown sitting on a pure stalk of lotus emitting divine energy appearing “divine, charitable, powerful, or fierce”.
Further detailing depicted on the four faces and eight corners, are five kinds of Buddhas suppressing the vicious demons (performing four pious deeds) and placed on thrones that are mounted over the stooping demons. The demons and Khadoms are depicted adorned and seated on four petalled and four faced thrones “adorned with necromantic attributes” enjoying a good time; the Khadoms are seen on the four-sided courtyard of the palace and also on all side walls.
The scene is further embellished around the Guru Rinpoche (Padmashambahava) image and also in the palace, with gods and goddesses in the heavens, with gate keepers at the four gates with an army of messengers and servants; all trying to crush the demons to dust. The supporting staff shown are said to represent the Himalayan tribes of pre-Buddhist periods.
Visiting
Entrance Fee
After the revision of visa policy of Bhutan in 2023, it was decided that an entrance fee of 1,000 Nu will be levied for all adult visitors to Taktshang from March, 2023.[25] Under the same revision, there will be special dates on the Bhutanese lunar calendar whereby only Bhutanese will be allowed to visit Taktshang.[26]
References
- ISBN 978-99936-22-42-0.
- ^ a b Palden Sherab Rinpoche, Khenchen (May 1992). The Eight Manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava. Translated by Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. Padma Gochen Ling: Turtle Hill. Archived from the original on 2022-12-04. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
- ^ "The Ultimate Guide to Hiking to the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan".
- ^ "Padmasambhava the Precious Guru of Tibetan Buddhism".
- ^ a b c d e Ardussi, John A. (1999). "Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye and the Founding of Taktsang Lhakhang" (PDF). Journal of Bhutan Studies. 1 (1). Thimphu: Centre for Bhutan Studies: 28. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ISBN 978-0-399-53310-5. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-59555-852-7. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ "Things to Know about Tshechu Festival in Bhutan".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Pommaret, Francoise (2006). Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom (5th ed.). Odyssey Books and Guides. pp. 136–7.
- ^ )
- ^ "The Paro Tsechu". Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ^ "The Paro Tsechu – the Thondrol of Guru Rincpoche". Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
- ISBN 978-1-74059-529-2. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
- ISBN 1-84383-066-3. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ISBN 0-7112-2674-1. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ "Druk Path Trek". Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ^ "In The Kingdom Of Bhutan". Global Sapiens. October 6, 2002. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ^ lywa (2015-04-02). "The Benefits of Prayer Wheels". www.lamayeshe.com. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
- ^ "Bhutan Journey". Day 12: Paro-Taktsang (Tiger's Nest ). India Paradise Explored. Archived from the original on 2009-06-15. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
- ISBN 0-7611-0484-4. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
Taktsang, the Tiger's nest is a destination of treks long and short…It is startlingly scenic, with nothing breaking the silence except a water fall…
- ISBN 978-1-4262-0336-7. Retrieved 2010-04-19.)
… climbing through blue pines and rhododendrons, past Buddhist flags, prayer wheels and make shift stalls selling temple bells and skulls for ritual offerings. Temples are scattered all over the hills…Beyond this view point garlanded in flags, the trail plunges straight down to a bridge across a 60 m waterfall cascades into a sacred pool. After the climb the main sanctuary greets you with bright paintings on the walls. Here you will find Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave, open once a year.
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ignored (help - ^ a b Rosner, Victor (1980). A Quiver Full of Arrows. D.S.S. Publications. p. 155. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ISBN 0-86132-126-X. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ "Bhutan revised entrance fees for historical monuments and sacred sites". Daily Bhutan. Daily Bhutan. 18 July 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ "Taktsang Monastery". Druk Asia. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
Further reading
- Guide to Taktshang: Restored Taktshang, Department of Culture, Thimphu, Bhutan 2005. ISBN 99936-617-1-6
- Seeds of Faith: A Comprehensive Guide to the Sacred Places of Bhutan vol. 1, pp. 121–125, KMT Publishers, Thimphu, Bhutan 2008. ISBN 99936-22-42-7
- Bellows, Keith (2008). Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations. OCLC 191922807.
External links
- A leading tour guide for Paro Taktsang
- Guide tour by Bhutan Himalayan Holidays [https://www.https://bhutanculturaltravel.com/paro-in-bhutan
- Complete information about Paro taktsang Monastery
- Travel Guide for Paro Taktsang