Overview:

Dechen Phodrang Monastery is located in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It was established in 1629 and is the main monastery of Bhutan's capital city. It is a great representation of Bhutan's unique culture and has become a sacred site of pilgrimage. It houses a beautiful statue of the future Buddha, Maitreya, and was built as part of a larger complex including many other temples and monasteries. It was built to protect and promote the teachings of Buddhism and the sacred images contained in its temple. The monastery is home to many Buddhist monks and nuns, and has become an important educational center for those seeking understanding in the Buddhist philosophical and spiritual path. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Golden Stupa: The striking three-leveled golden stupa at the Dechen Phodrang Monastery is probably the most iconic feature of the monastery. It is one of the most popular landmarks of Bhutan. 2. Large Complex: The Dechen Phodrang Monastery is a large complex of temples and shrines as well as a residential settlement for monks. 3. View: As the monastery stands on a hilltop, visitors can get spectacular views of the mountains and valleys of Bhutan from the monastery. 4. Colorful Artifacts: Dechen Phodrang is famous for its colorful artifacts including mandalas, wall paintings and statues of the Ava- Tara goddess. 5. Gompa: The Gompa of the monastery is a fortified structure with whitewashed walls adorned with colorful fresco of Buddhist figures. 6. Prayer Wheels: There are prayer wheels around the complex to protect it and the traditional symbols of Buddha throughout. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Dechen Phodrang, formerly known as Thekchhog Dratshang (which means All-Pervading Monastery) is a monastic community located in Paro, Bhutan. Founded by Ngawang Chogyal in 1644, it was the first monastic institution of its kind in the country. The monastery was initially built by the lamas of Rimbi Monastery at the behest of Je Tsangpa Dorje, the then ruler of Bhutan. It served as a center for religious teaching and practice as well as a retreat from worldly bustle. Over the centuries, the monastery has grown in importance and size. In the 17th century, Dechen Phodrang was recognized as a great center of spiritual teaching and practice in Bhutan. Since then, the monastery has become home to some of the most distinguished scholars and lamas of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, including His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Drukpa, the current leader of this line. In recent years, Dechen Phodrang has become an important site for cultural preservation and ecological conservation. The monastery is engaged in various initiatives including organic agriculture, traditional arts and crafts, and environmental sustainability. It also serves as a popular destination for visitors from around the world, offering traditional lodging, authentic Bhutanese cuisine, and unique cultural experiences. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Built in 1641, Dechen Phodrang Monastery is the largest and oldest monastery in Bhutan. 2. It was originally founded by the 7th Druk Desi (lord-monarch) Tenzing Rabgyal in 1641. 3. The monastery comprises of 9 temples and is surrounded by a 9-storied white washed wall covering an area of 52000 sq ft. 4. Dechen Phodrang is one of the most important Nyingmapa (school of Buddhism) Monasteries in the region and is regularly visited by pilgrims from all over the world. 5. Hundreds of monks reside in the monastery and are trained in the Nyingmapa lineage of Buddhism. 6. The Monastery is a popular destination for proponents of Buddhist meditation practices, and is said to contain some of the oldest and most beautiful art works in Bhutan. 7. The Dechen Phodrang Monastery is set atop a hill overlooking a beautiful valley, which adds to its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.