Taktsang Palphug Monastery

BHUTAN, Paro

Known as the Tiger’s Lair, this monastery is situated about 3,000 m above sea level on the side of a mountain at Paro. It was here that Buddhism was first introduced into Bhutan. It is said that in the 8th century Padmasambhava arrived here on the back of a flying tiger. He meditated in the cave for three months and subdued the local demons. Over the years many eminent monks have meditated here, including Milarepa.
The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (reigned 1680–1694), the fourth Druk Desi of Bhutan. In 1998 it was destroyed by fire but reconstructed by decree of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (reigned 1972–2006). The restoration has now been completed.
The building complex is constructed according to the mountainous terrain. The white walls are thick and solid, built with bricks and blocks of stone. The walls are decorated with a red ocher band and large gold or white circles at the top. The roofs are made of wood. The windows are built high up and their frames are intricately painted. The buildings are surmounted by square pyramidal roofs painted in gold. The Vajra Shrine is the main building, housing a statue of the angry manifestation of Padmasambhava. Every Bhutanese person will go on a pilgrimage to this sacred place at least once in a lifetime.