History:

is a Buddhist monastic college located in Punakha, Bhutan offering traditional Buddhist teachings. Founded in 2008, it is the first ever Buddhist monastic college in the country providing an education in Buddhist philosophy and practice. It seeks to preserve and promote the Buddhist values, culture, and traditions of Bhutan. The college currently offers a one-year course in Buddhist studies for students. It is one of the best temple in Bhutan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Nalanda Buddhist College is a Buddhist college located in Punakha, Bhutan and is a subsidiary of the Nalanda Monastery in India. 2. The college was established in 1997 and was officially inaugurated in 2000. 3. It provides education in Buddhist philosophy and practice, including courses on philosophy, meditation, ritual and chanting, Buddhist art and culture, editing and traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. 4. The college also runs a hostel for students and has facilities for ritual ceremony, prayer assembly, and meditation practice. 5. It is also the largest institute of its kind in Bhutan, hosting over 350 students from all over the world. Here are some facts about the Bhutan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Bhutan

Worship Method:

The Nalanda Buddhist College in Punakha, Bhutan uses the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which has been the traditional form of Buddhism practiced in Bhutan for hundreds of years. As such, their approach to worship combines traditional Tibetan Buddhist elements with modern interpretation. The college has specific instructions regarding the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy and meditation techniques, but they also highly encourage their students to supplement their studies with Dharma teachings, rituals and ceremonies. During their study and practice of Buddhism, their students are expected to engage in daily Buddhist meditation, chanting and rituals, as well as monthly full moon rituals. Furthermore, the college also celebrates major city festivals such as Losar which is the Tibetan New Year. The college's worship practices usually begin in the morning and conclude at noon, depending on the degree of formality and complexity involved in the rituals. During the morning service, the students gather in the college's temple to recite prayers, chant and meditate. This is then followed by the chanting of prayers, mantras and devotional songs. Lastly, the students offer offerings of water, milk, incense and flowers. During the main worship practice, the students meditate while reciting prayers, blessings and mantras. This practice is accompanied by the offering of incense and candles. The college also holds occasional ceremonies such as funerals, weddings and various ceremonies to honor visitors. During these ceremonies, the students may offer prayers and recite appropriate mantras. Finally, the college celebrates the four major Buddhist festivals each year with chanting, releasing of prayer flags and the burning of incense as well as the offering of offerings of food, water and milk. Additionally, the college often engages in religious activities such as the performance of rituals and ceremonies, which focus on making offerings to the Guardian Deities of Buddhism. These offerings often include chanting, prayers, and the burning of incense and butter lamps. Furthermore, the college also participates in the cultural and spiritual practices of their local community, such as the conducting of rituals such as lama dances and Mandalas. Overall, the students of Nalanda Buddhist College in Punakha, Bhutan, practice a traditional form of Buddhism that combines traditional ritual elements with modern interpretation. Their daily practice is based around meditation and devotion, constantly making offerings to the Guardian Deities of Buddhism. Furthermore, their worship practices extend to the celebration of the four major Buddhist festivals as well as traditional and local rituals. This most visited temple in Bhutan

Opening Timing:

The normal operating hours of Nalanda Buddhist College in Punakha is from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays. However, the college may be open during the weekends or have extended operating hours on certain days when special programs and events are being held. top temples in Bhutan

How to reach:

Nalanda Buddhist College is located in Punakha, Bhutan. The nearest airport to Punakha is Paro Airport. From Paro Airport, one can take a 40-minute road journey or a 45-minute flight to reach Punakha. Bhutan Airlines, Druk Air and Tashi air offer daily flights from Paro to Punakha. There are also several bus options available from Paro Station to Punakha. The journey takes around 4 – 5 hours. The college itself can be reached through local mode of transportation by hiring a car or taking a local taxi. famous temples in Bhutan