26/01/2025
The Sacred History of Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang, also known as Taktshang Pelphug, is one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage sites and holds profound spiritual and historical significance. Nestled on a cliffside overlooking the Paro valley, its origins and legacy are deeply tied to Guru Rinpoche, who is regarded as the second Buddha.
The 8th Century: Guru Rinpoche’s Sacred Journey
In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche blessed and concealed numerous sacred sites across Bhutan, including Taktshang Pelphug. Transformed as Guru Dorji Droloe, he came to Taktshang to subdue the malevolent spirits inhabiting the area. Tashi Kheudron, a devotee from Mon, transformed herself into a tigress and served as Guru Dorji Droloe’s mount during this spiritual conquest. Together, they subdued the spirits, including the eight classes of malevolent beings, binding them with an oath to protect the Dharma.
Guru Rinpoche performed sacred rituals and concealed religious treasures at the site, including teachings on the three yogas. He also conferred initiations on the deities Amitayus and Vajrakilya to his consorts, Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal and Tashi Kheudron. The two consorts meditated for four months at Taktshang Pelphug, during which a black ritual dagger (Sanskrit: kilya) is said to have flown into the cave after subduing the spirits in neighboring regions, including Nepal. This dagger remains enshrined in Pelphug Lhakhang. Their meditation and devotion led to miraculous events, evidence of which can still be observed at the site. Following these accomplishments, Guru Rinpoche performed the Tshogbum and Tashi Rabney rituals before returning to Yonphu Taktsang in Tibet.
Legacy of Langchen Pelgye Singye and Other Spiritual Masters
After Guru Rinpoche’s departure, his spiritual son, Langchen Pelgye Singye, meditated at Taktshang before passing away in Nepal. His body was brought back to Taktshang, where a stupa was constructed in his honor. The stupa, considered sacred, is said to possess miraculous properties, with wishes made near it on auspicious days always coming true.
Taktshang also attracted other notable figures. Jetsun Milarepa (1040–1123) meditated at the site for three years, and Lam Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (1184–1251) spent six years meditating there in 1219. During his meditation, Guru Rinpoche appeared to him in a vision, granting him the spiritual authority over sacred sites in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche even prophesied that Taktshang would one day be promoted by a great figure.
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s Dream and Claim of Taktshang
In the fire dog year (1646), Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Lopen Rigzin Nyingpo were performing a Drupchen at Rinpung Dzong. That night, Zhabdrung dreamt of a man in black offering Taktshang to him. The next morning, Singye Samdrup, Taktshang’s guardian deity disguised as a poor man, approached Zhabdrung and offered the site. Zhabdrung accepted, marking the formal takeover of Taktshang. He visited the site with Lopen Rigzin Nyingpo, who gave teachings on Gongdue and displayed many auspicious signs.
Zhabdrung envisioned building a temple at Taktshang but delegated this responsibility to his spiritual son, Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye (1638–1696), due to his pressing duties. Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye relayed the instructions to Paro Governor Penlop Drakpa Jamtsho. In 1692, construction began. When the founding stones kept slipping due to the cliff's steepness, Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye mixed his hair with mud as mortar. This gesture ensured the construction progressed smoothly, and the temple was completed in 1694.
The Statue of Guru Rinpoche
The main temple at Taktshang enshrines a bronze statue of Guru Rinpoche. The statue, crafted by a renowned Nepali artisan named Pentsa, was made at Punakha Dzong. During its transport to Taktshang, porters faced difficulties navigating the narrow and steep path near Demig Gocha. They planned to dismantle the statue for easier transport, but the statue reportedly spoke, urging them not to tear it apart. The local deity, Singye Samdrup, then transformed into human form and carried the statue to its final destination. The statue is also said to have spoken again in 1951.
Restoration After the Fire of 1998
In 1998, a fire severely damaged Taktshang, but the temple was successfully rebuilt to preserve its sanctity. Today, pilgrims can visit the restored temples and appreciate their spiritual significance and architectural beauty.
Temples Within Taktshang
Taktshang Pelphug comprises nine main temples:
Guru Druphu
Guru Sungjoenmai Lhakhang
Kuenra Lhakhang
Choeten Lhakhang
Guru Tshengyed Lhakhang
Droloe Lhakhang
Namsey Lhakhang
Tshepamed Lhakhang
Neypoi Lhakhang
Each temple contributes to the site’s spiritual richness and offers a unique experience for devotees and visitors alike. Paro Taktsang remains a testament to Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and unwavering devotion to Guru Rinpoche.