Arunachal Pradesh Taktsang Monastery
Taktsang Monastery is one of the visually exotic monasteries in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India, located nearly about 45 kms from the famous Tawang monastery. Surrounded by forests with coniferous trees and mountains, the Taktsang Monastery is perched on a hill, making it a perfect location for meditation. Established as a part of Buddhist culture in India, the monastery is well known to have been present since the 8th century CE, when anecdotes of Guru Padmasambhava are well accounted for. Another name for this monastery is Taktsang Palphug Monastery, which also means Tiger’s Nest or Tiger’s Den. It is situated in Paro Valley in Bhutan. The location is well known for a cave that has its share of historical significance and thereafter, the monastery was built in about 1962. In honour of the Guru or Rinpoche, there is an annual festival held in this monastery in March or April.
History
Background history of the Taktsang monastery is related to its establishment by Guru Padmasambhava or Rinpoche, who is supposed to have arrived at this location from Tibet. There was a demon at this place, after whose killing, the guru performed meditation in the cave for about 3 years, and some months. He emerged after the meditation in 8 forms and since then, the place has become holy and is known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery complex was built around the cave by Tenzin Rabgye, who according to some people was the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche. He was instrumental in establishing Buddhism in the region of Bhutan and the Nyingmapa school. Due to the historical anecdotes, many Buddhist saints have come to the cave site for meditation and gradually, it became established as a well known place for meditation and worship by Buddhist followers. The traditional dance form of Tsechu had a strong following during these historical days also.
Festival
Tsechu festival is held in the month of March – April, in honour of Guru Padmasambhava and is believed to have been started during the 17th century. During the rule of Bhutan by Shabdrung, Terton Pema Lingpa of Bhumthang, various religious dance forms and religious festivals started to be organised at the site of Taktsang Monastery in Paro hills. When Bhutan was attacked by Tibetan ruler in 17th century, Pema Lingpa conducted various rituals and dances to invoke the guru Rinpoche and seek his blessings in the fight with Tibet and also went on to win the fight, but failed to establish a monastery as promised. But, his successor, Tenzin Rabgye constructed the monastery in the latter part of 17th century and regularly conducted the Tsechu festival every year, with maintaining of the traditional Black hat dance forms.
Architecture
Building of the monastery has been done in such a way that the rocks and terrain have been used to provide support and strength. The monastery is said to be perched quite precariously on these rocks. Rock cave, where the guru is said to have performed his meditation is considered to be the largest in the region and has plenty of Buddha pictures and sculptures. Also, here a scripture can be found, which has importance for the followers of the monastery’s principles. All the buildings constructed in the area have interconnecting stairways and steps. A large Buddha idol is found in the temple, which is situated at the highest point. Balconies are a common feature in all the buildings, which are perched towards the valleys, providing a picturesque view of the mountains and valleys. There are other important structures present within the Taktsang monastery such as Taktsang Zandgo Pari, the building which was occupied by the wife of Guru Rinpoche, Urgyan Tsemo or the Peak of Urgyan, the prayer wheel and the holy cave temple, which is the primary shrine of the monastery. A lot of paintings showing the historical anecdotes of Guru Rinpoche are found, along with various structures representing Buddhism.
Reaching There
From the village of Paro, the monastery is about 10 kms, located at the top of a cliff, constructed precariously at the edge. Overlooking the Paro Valley, the monastery is possible to be reached by hiking, for which there are more than one route of access. The monastery is about 45 kms from Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh and is geographically located in the region of Bhutan.
Photo Gallery
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