Paro Taktsang Monastery, Tiger's Lair Converted to Worship Places
Most of the travelers who visit Bhutan specifically visit the temples that are on high. Taktsang Palphug Monastery, famous as the tiger's nest temple. The building gets its name from Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have landed here on a flight on a tigress from Tibet.
Originally, it was just a cave where Guru Rinpoche spent time meditating to cleanse himself. This temple has been around for years and is a tourist destination. If travelers are planning to take a hike to the temples, what should be done is to leave early and bring a guidebook, in order to avoid the crowds.
For Buddhists, Paro Taktsang is a temple that serves as a place of worship. It is situated on a steep cliff with a height of 3,120 meters, making it one of the most extreme temples in the world.
Built since the 14th century, Paro Taktsang has several sacred caves decorated with Buddha images (Bodhisattvas). The nickname Tiger's Nest was given because this temple has a large tiger statue which is housed in the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas.
Paro Taktsang consists of four main temples and is surrounded by residential areas, located close to the valley and decorated with a thick expanse of pine forest.
The word Taktsang means the tiger's lair, while the word Paro comes from the name of the valley where this sacred temple stands
This place of worship in Bhutan has a beauty that can pamper your eyes. The temple, whose real name is Taktsang Palphug, has become a cultural icon of Bhutan, as well as the most famous tourist destination in Bhutan.
This monastery became a meditation place for Padmasambhava, who was one of the teachers who spread Buddhism in Bhutan.
Padmasambhava meditated there for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days and 3 hours. Padmasambava was a Brahmin empire who spread Tantric Buddhism through Bhutan and Tibet in the 700s.
People around the paro valley have great respect for tigers because of the story of Padmasambhava's closeness to a tigress.
The tigress is the embodiment of Padmasambhava's wife when fighting against the forces of evil.
It is said that when Padmasambhava died in Nepal, his body was surprisingly returned to Paro Taktsang
His followers believe that Padmasambhava is still alive today and is regarded as the guardian spirit of Bhutan.
How to get to Paro Taktsang
To reach the Tiger's Lair was much more difficult. You have to hike for two hours from the valley floor. This place is located at about 3048 meters above sea level. After a two-hour hike, you'll immediately face the entrance to the Tiger's Nest, a rock overlooking a vast ravine, with a monastery on the other side.
Underneath there is a canyon thousands of meters deep. You need to be careful because the road to Paro Taktsang has to be faced with a ravine on the side next to you.
Entering the monastery, you have to step again up some stairs. There are 3 temples inside. Even though you are tired, you will see an incredible cliff view. When you go deeper, you will come across a cold cave where Padmasambabva was meditating.
So, are you challenged to visit this tiger's den monastery? Prepare your stamina to go uphill. Don't forget to prepare money as well.
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