Overview:

Dargyeling Monastery is located in the heart of East Bhutan. This monastery is home to the largest group of Nyingma monks in the country. It is also the religious and education center for the Nyingma tradition throughout Bhutan. The monastery was founded in the late 18th century and is home to over 700 monks and nuns. It is a beautiful complex of four different temples and shrines. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and learn about the traditional Buddhist practices that are alive and well in Bhutan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Three Golden Stupas: A distinguishing feature of the Dargyeling Monastery in Bhutan is the triple Golden Stupas, which sit atop a hill in their grounds. Each of the three golden stupas are believed to represent the past, present, and future lives of the Buddha. 2. Sacred Dance Ceremonies: The formal Lama Dances, known as Cham Dancing, are performed by the monks at Dargyeling to celebrate various religious observances. These choreographed dances involve various colorful costumes, music, and gymnastic movements. 3. Traditional Buddhist Art: Visitors to the Monastery will find various traditional Buddhist art pieces housed in its many large temples and galleries. These include intricate Mandala paintings, large sculptures of the Buddha, statues of the many forms of the Bodhisattva, and beautiful metalworks. 4. Cultural Preservation: Dargyeling Monastery is dedicated to the preservation of Bhutan's unique cultural heritage and identity through its vocal decision to not be swayed by westernization. The Monastery follows traditional Buddhist teachings, and its architecture showcases the best of Bhutanese culture. 5. Sacred Mountain: The Temple is built at the base of Mount Jomolhari, a sacred mountain that Bhutanese revere for its deep spiritual significance. Due to its surrounding environment, many visitors find the Monastery a great place for relaxation and contemplation. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Drukgyel Dzong, also known as Dargyeling Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Built during the 17th century, the monastery is located in the Paro district in the Western part of the country. The oldest features of the monastery date back to 1646 when Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava prophesied that a monastery would be built on the site by Ngawang Namgyal. During its heyday, Drukgyal Monastery was a powerful fortress, whose sole mission was to defend the entrance of Paro Valley against invading Tibetan forces from the North. During the first war between Bhutan and Tibet, the King's troops of Bhutan defeated the Tibetan army and their leader was taken prisoner and held inside the monastery. Unfortunately, Drukgyel Dzong was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1951 and was left in ruins. However, the site is still of tremendous importance in Bhutan. For one, it is a revered pilgrimage place and every year thousands of Bhutanese and foreign visitors make their way here to experience the unique spiritual atmosphere of the old monastery. Drukgyel Monastery is part of the Kichu Monastery complex and it also contains the ruins of a nearby chapel. The site is a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan and its main features are the beautiful paintings that adorn the walls of the monastery as a reminder of the past. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Dargyeling Monastery in Bhutan was founded in the 17th century and is located in the Tashigang district of eastern Bhutan. 2. The monastery is known for its large collection of ancient Buddhist sculptures and mandalas, some of which are believed to date back to the 17th century. 3. The Dargyeling Monastery also holds the relics of eight major teachers of Mahayana Buddhism. 4. The Dargyeling Monastery has hosted some of the most important Buddhist festivals and events in the Tibet-Himalayan region. 5. An important part of the tradition is the annual Kyabji festival, which is attended by over 10,000 pilgrims and practitioners and has been going on for over 400 years. 6. Every year, Dargyeling monastery serves thousands of hot meals to the pilgrims. 7. The Dargyeling Monastery also boasts of some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas and the Paro valley below. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.