Overview:

Phajoding Monastery is located on the Thimphu-Mongar highway in Bhutan. It is perched on the top of a steep forested hill in the Thimphu valley and stands at an altitude of 3500m. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country and was founded in the 14th century. It was reconstructed and renovated in 1999 and now houses more than 60 monks from both Bhutan and Tibet. The monastery offers a spectacular view of the Thimphu valley and is a popular place to visit for tourists. Inside the monastery visitors can admire the beautiful murals and statues of important figures of the Nyingma tradition. The monastery is open for visitors every day from the morning till evening. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Located in Thimphu, Phajoding Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and is highly revered by the Bhutanese people. 2. The monastery was founded by Gyalse Sangay Ngedup in 1499, and is still under the direction of the Drukpa Kagyupa. 3. The main temple within the complex is made of stone and mud-brick and houses numerous religious artifacts and artwork. 4. There are several other temples and shrines within the complex as well as an ancient stupa known as ‘Choesum’, which was built in the 16th century. 5. Phajoding is also home to a unique practice known as Sky Burial, which involves the offering of food to the vultures that live in the surrounding hills. 6. Phajoding monastery also hosts a Buddhist Institute and a popular meditation retreat center. 7. The annual Phajoding festival is one of the largest festivals in the country, and is attended by thousands of visitors. 8. The monastery is a popular tourist destination and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan Mountains. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Phajoding Monastery is the oldest monastic institution in Bhutan. Located in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, the Monastery dates back to the 15th century. Originally built in 1420 AD by Sherab Zangpo, the 5th Dharmaraja of Bhutan, the monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. The site has played an important role in the religious and historical developments of Bhutan for centuries. In the 16th century, Ngagi Wangchuk, the lama of the Drukpa school of Buddhism, visited the monastery and established the tradition of Phajoding as one of the Nine important Drukpa Kagyu sites. Following his visit, Ngagi Wangchuk constructed four Lhakhangs(temples), where worshippers could practice the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Throughout the Bhutan’s turbulent history, Phajoding monastery has stood its ground and has remained as an important symbol of Bhutanese culture and religious integrity. Even today, the monastery continues to be an important pilgrimage destination and an important cultural and historical site for Buddhists, both domestic and international. Today, under the leadership of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Supreme Religious Head of Bhutan), the Monastery is a vibrant center of Buddhist learning with hundreds of months practicing and studying here. It is a unique blend of modernity and traditionalism making it a treasured part of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Phajoding Monastery was built in 15th century by two rich brothers to receive teachings from famous philosopher Drukpa Kunlay. 2. The location of the monastery was chosen as a result of trance of Drukpa Kunlay. 3. Phajoding Monastery is situated at an altitude of 3600m on a hillside of Taktshang Gram in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. 4. The monastery is surrounded by large number of prayer flags, colorful decorations, and numerous stupas and chortens. 5. The monastery is believed to be an ancient site of tantric meditation practised by Drukpa Kunlay. 6.It is also considered the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism and the repository of sacred memorabilia. 7. The monastery houses a 9 storey tower that is used for meditation and chanting religious texts. 8. Phajoding Monastery is considered sacred by Buddhists throughout Bhutan and it is also a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.