Pilgrimage to Taktshang -the Tiger's Nest

Taktshang monastery and Nyes

Taktshang monastery is located north to the town of Paro. It’s one and half hours walk from nearest road head, Ramthangka. It is built on the cliff that was blessed by Ugyen Guru Rinpoche in 8^th Century. To know the meaning of the Taktshang, I explain combined two words in different sense.  The Tak is the Dzongkha word for Tiger, and Tshang meaning the Nest, which two combined is called as Tak-tshang. The name is derived after Guru Rinpoche visited the place, riding on the Tiger in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo to subdue the demon or evil deities there.

 

On the way to Taktshang, we enjoy the great scenes of northern Paro. We climbed the hill upwards following the mule track. There are numerous Handicraft shops are stationed there mainly for the tourists.

On the way to Taktshang, the Cafeterias are located at different places. Water and rubbish bins are fixed for the benefit of visitors and to conserve environment as a whole. 

Prayer flags are hanged along the footpath before reaching the temple which made the place holistic and picturesque.

The history of Guru Rinpoche (the Tantric Master) dates back to 8^th Century. He meditated there for several months on massive rock which we can see even today. The reason for Ugyen Guru Rinpoche’s visit in the form of Dorji Drolo is to subdue the evil spirits. Guru Rinpoche manifested himself in eight forms at different places while subduing demons. 

Guru Rinpoche flew to the place riding on Tiger as and when Guru predicts that there, the demon takes the life of the people settled nearby. Due to his supernatural power, he subdued evil spirits in Nepal, India, Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of the world. He travelled to various parts of the world intensely to subdue the demons to prevail peace and happiness amongst the people.

Today, with the name Taktshang, it gained name and fame all over the world. Due to its reputation, the place has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. All most all the tourists visiting Bhutan yearly by any means visit Taktshang.  

The temple was built on the massive rock in the form of Zangdo Pelri. History says that the temple was razed by fire to the ground for two times, which was restored later on. The temple was rebuilt same like what was before with very wide footpath with railing along the side footpath. 

As we enter the small gate installed before reaching the temple, there is a house purposefully constructed for the monks and police who are on duty. The followed by police check post, where we have to register our names along with Citizenship Identity Card. We are not allowed to take in our bags, camera, mobile phones, etc. to the Lhakhang.

As and when we left the police check post, we went to main temple where Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave situated. There, we prayed for well being of all the sentient beings in this universe. During that day, the Payphu (Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave) was not exhibited. As Ken-Nyer says, it’s open and exhibit for the public only once in year. 

We then proceeded to another temple. There are numerous Lhakhangs where the main statue there is Tshelha Namsum, Guru Dorji Drolo, Guru Rinpoche and many more. The treasure crown is also preserved there in the temple. There is also Neykhang where we have to sing there.

Drup Chus (Holy water) such as Phadampa’s Drupchu and Khando Yeshey Thsogyel’s Drupchu are well preserved. The visitors take a sip and bottled it and take home for the families and friends.

There is Meditation house located near water fall in the middle of the cliff. The butter lamp house is located on other hill before reaching the temple.

The 69^th Je Khenpo Gayshay Gaydhuen Rinchen was born in the cave near Taktshang which we see stand still. There, the small temple in the form of Zangdo Pelri was built covering the birth cave.

There are numerous temples beyond main temple. We tried to follow the track to other temples on massive hills above and behind the main temple. But we failed due to limited time.