Overview:

: The Chagri Dorjeden Monastery is located in Phobjikha, Bhutan. This monastery was founded in 1532 by Guru Padmasambhava. It is the home of about 100 monks who practice Mahayana Buddhism. The monastery is known as the “Snowy Citadel of Longevity” and it is a spiritual and educational center for the local people. The monks of the monastery conduct elaborate rituals and perform various rites such as sand mandala ceremonies, offering of prayer flags, and traditional chanting. Visitors may also witness traditional dancing and music performances at the monastery. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan, Chagri Dorjeden Monastery is believed to be one of the oldest monasteries in the country. 2. Built in 1405, during the reign of the great Lama, Tsangpa Gyare of the Drukpa Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery has been a major pilgrimage spot since. 3. Interestingly, in the early 1970s, a hidden door was discovered in the walls of the monastery. It is said to have fantastic frescoes and ancient manuscripts containing philosophical and religious teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. 4. The monastery houses around 15 resident monks and several statues of Buddhas and other deities. 5. Every June, the monastery hosts a two-day annual festival of lama dancing. This festival celebrates the teachings and instructions of Guru Rinpoche, the Padmasambhava. 6. The monastery is surrounded by majestic slopes, valleys, and mountains. It offers a perfect retreat for anyone looking for a spiritual experience. From here one can get a stunning view of the Paro Valley and the Huong River. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, also known as the Chagri Dorjepel Ri-gangling Monastery, is a minor monastery located in Bhutan. According to some sources, the monastery was founded in the 1740s by the Third Druk Desi or the leader of the Drukpa sect, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan and declared it a nation. The monastery has since been a site of pilgrimage for its locals and visitors from neighboring countries alike. The monastery is said to hold a wealth of history, including a piece of bone believed to be that of the 7th century Tibetan scholar Padmasambhava, as well as artefacts gathered by its founder, the Zhabdrung. The monastery is also known for its statues and paintings of Bodhisattvas, which are said to have been gifted to the monastery by the Chinese emperor Qianlong. The main attraction of the monastery, however, is its large central Courtyard, which can be seen from afar and contains an elaborate shrine featuring the eight-armed depiction of Chenrezig, the Avalokitesvara bodhisattva. The Monastery is also noted for its brightly coloured wall paintings depicting Shambhala, the mythical kingdom said to be located in the Himalayas. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Chagri Dorjeden Monastery in Bhutan is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the entire Himalayan region. 2. It is located in the scenic Tashiyangtse district of eastern Bhutan, and was established in 1616 by the Fifth Desi Tenzin Rabgye. 3. Within the temple, there are several sacred images and artifacts including an 18th century royal throne gifted by King Jigme Dingema. 4. It is renowned for its elaborate and impressive architecture. 5. The large central building of the temple is decorated with murals depicting Buddhist figures, and there are various other structures including a small meditation house. 6. In 2004, Chagri Dorjeden Monastery became a national treasure and was added to the list of Bhutan's 13 " Great Monasteries " of Bhutanese monasteries. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.