Overview:

Tharpaling Monastery is one of the largest and most important Buddhist monasteries in the country, located just north of the capital of Thimphu. It was founded in 1687 and it is the seat of the Mindrolling lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is home to over 300 monks and its main temple is said to contain more than twenty thousand volumes of ancient Buddhist scriptures. The monastery serves as a major pilgrimage site and tourists are allowed to view the richly decorated prayer halls, murals and statues. Tharpaling is also home to one of the nation's only library of Buddhist texts built for laypeople. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. One of the most important monasteries in the Bhutan region, Tharpaling Monastery was built in the 15th century. 2. Known as Taktshang Lhakhang or’ Tiger’s Nest’, Tharpaling is perched on a cliffside overlooking Paro Valley, close to the capital of Bhutan – Thimphu. 3. The architecture of the temple is dedicated to an Indian saint – Guru Padmasambhava and is provided with murals, statues and several artifacts from the 8th-century. 4. Insider the complex of the monastery, there are four different courtyards, a temple, and the library of buddhist scriptures known as Kangyur. 5. Home to around 200 lamas and monks, Tharpaling Monastery is the best destination for a spiritual retreat 6. The Khandro Sang-Ngag Chodron Prayer Wheel is located outside of the monastery and is believed to bring good luck and fortune upon those who make a wish and turn it. 7. Tharpaling monastery is accessible by a challenging walk up the hill which is about 1 km in length and takes about two and a half hours, but the breathtaking view of the valley and the uplifting atmosphere of the monastery makes it all worth it. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Tharpaling Monastery is one of the most important and oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is situated on a hill in Bumthang Valley, Bhutan. The monastery was founded in the early 1700s by Pema Lingpa, who was the great-grandson of Terton Pema Lingpa, the popular 15th century tertön. Terton Pema Lingpa is regarded as one of the five reincarnations of Padmasambhava, the great 8th century saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. In the early 18th century, Tharpaling was used not only as a center for religious practice, but also as a fortress and shelter for local inhabitants. It was well known for its large collection of religious artefacts. During the 19th century, the monastery was taken over by the ruler of Bhutan, Jigme Namgyel, who appointed a Nyingmapa lama as the head of the monastery. In the 1950s, Tharpaling experienced a period of great growth and transformation, when more than seventy new temples, meditation retreat pavilions, and monks’ quarters were added. Most of the new buildings followed traditional Bhutanese architectural styles and were built using traditional materials such as mud and timber. Today, Tharpaling Monastery is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims, locals, and tourists alike. It houses a large collection of Buddha statues, wall paintings, and religious artefacts. The monastery is a major centre of Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan. There are daily religious ceremonies and prayers, as well as special concerts of traditional Bhutanese music which take place in the courtyard. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Tharpaling Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, established in the 15th century by heavenly King Jamyang Jonangpa. 2. It is located at an altitude of 6000 feet in Gasa region of Bhutan. 3. It is home to more than ton monks who practice and teach the various Tibetan Buddhist teachings, monastic arts, and crafts. 4. The monastery is a main center of the Jonang Buddhist tradition in Bhutan. 5. Tharpaling Monastery is famous for its elaborate and unique wall paintings depicting Tibetan Buddhist deities like Vajrapani, Mahakala and various tantric figures. 6. The walls are also decorated with artwork from the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. 7. The monks perform regular prayers and rituals to promote peace and prosperity in Bhutan and the world. 8. Tharpaling Monastery itself is surrounded by a beautiful and lush pine forest which is believed to be sacred. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.