The Birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan: Taktsang Palphug Monastery
Bhutan is a very small country near Tibet, India, and China. This very small country is filled with ancient wonders. One of them is the sacred Buddhist spot of Taktsang Palphug Monastery. Locals may call this spot Paro Taktsang. Or, you may hear the name translated as The Tiger’s Nest. Either way, it is a very holy place that is gorgeous, and a bit secluded. Many feel that making this pilgrimage while in Bhutan is a must. Here, we will tell you more about Taktsang Palphug Monastery.
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The Legend Surrounding Taktsang Palphug Monastery
It has been said that Taktsang Palphug Monastery is the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche was said to fly to this location on the back of a tigress in the 700s. This tigress was actually one of his students. Once flying there, he meditated in a cave. The meditation continued for 3 years, 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours. Today, people in Bhutan worship this Guru as a deity. They often make the trek up very high in the mountains (only 2 other monasteries in the world are higher) to pay their respects at the temple.
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What to Do & See
There is lots to do and see at the Taktsang Palphug Monastery. You can see for yourself the Tiger’s Lair (or the cave where the meditation took place). Or, take a look at the unique paintings and murals situated around the monastery. For guests there is also a rest area and a restaurant along the way. Others are simply at awe of the views and the photo ops from the elevation of the monastery. Others come there to be led into the temple itself by their local guide.
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Getting There
If you plan to visit Taktsang Palphug Monastery, you must hire a local guide. This is the only way to be admitted to the temple. Be advised that the hike to get there is a moderate grade and about 2 hours long. For those who cannot make it up the heel, pony rides are available for a fee. Since the monastery is at such a high elevation, you should do your best to acclimated yourself to the elevation of Bhutan before you try to make this hike. If possible, try to finish your hike before nightfall in the area. Not doing so can make the journey down again difficult.
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