Tiger’s Nest – The Legendary Buddhist Caves of Wonder at 10,200 feet

Taktshang Goemba / Photo from balummelbappu

To an admirer of Buddhist architecture, the first thing that comes to mind is a pagoda or a Buddhist monastery. One such fascinating Buddhist wonder spots is the Taktshang Monastery in Bhutan that stands precariously at the edge of a cliff over 2,300 feet above the base of Paro valley. Built in 1692, this monastery is one of the most holy religious spots of Bhutan. The word ‘Taktshang’ translates to “Tigers Nest” and there is a curious legend behind how and why this series of thirteen hanging monasteries got such an interesting name.

Taktsang Monastery as it was before fire destroyed the roof / Photo from richard.mcmanus.

The legend behind the construction of the Taktshang Monastery dates back to the 8th century and relates to the real historical figure of Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava. He is revered as the second Buddha because of his major contribution in the spread of Buddhism from Tibet to Bhutan. Bequeathed with miraculous powers in the eyes of common devotees, Guru Rinpoche is said to have traveled from place to place in the company of tantric and dakini consorts, vanquishing demons.

Holy poses / Photo from ruchiro

Yeshe Tsogyal the former wife of an Emperor joined his group and willingly became a flying tigress to bear the guru to the cliff top of Bhutan where the Taktshang Monastery presently stands. One of the caves became the meditation spot for Guru Rinpoche who came out with his eight manifestations and later it was venerated as the holy spot for the monastery that thus derived its strange name.

Taktsang from the cafeteria / Photo from Hockadilly

The original construction of the Tigers Nest Monastery has an equally interesting tale behind it. It is said that notwithstanding the sheer cliff face where Guru Rinpoche decided to land, the air-borne dakinis bore building material on their backs to facilitate the construction process. It remained a place of worship for the people and stood sturdily through the fire damages of April 19, 1998. The Bhutan government took extensive steps to restore it in its original glory by referring back to ancient pictures and other testimonials. It took years of toil and perseverance until the renovation was completed in 2005.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery with the fire destroyed part / Photo from wufgaeng against censorship

Taktshang Monastery – Paro, Bhutan / Photo from ray_in_la

Today you can visit all the temples of the Taktshang Monastery standing at an altitude of 10,200 feet. However, prior to the ascending the slope on mule-back or foot, as a non-Bhutanese you require a special permit and a guide for the venture. Once you begin the trek, you can experience the close touch of nature in the woodland leading to the ascending slope with interspersing sound of a bell. However, if you are not used to walking for rough stretches on mountainous paths, you will do best to take a horse or a mule.

Taktshang / Photo from speedblade

Tying Prayer Flags on a small Shrine in Bhutan / Photo from Grete Howard

You have to be patient through your trek to catch the first glimpse of the much-coveted monastery, for you cannot see anything for the major part of the trek because of the interposing vegetation. Look out for the small prayer wheel as when you reach it, you can see what your eyes were thirsting for. When you reach up to the cafeteria viewpoint, the vision will get clearer and get provisions for ret and refreshment. From this point, you must ready yourself to climb a series of stone steps, cross a waterfall and accept the difference between what the monastery looked from a distance and what it really looks when you actually get there.

Precarious / Photo from ray_in_la

What is remarkable about the Tigers Nest Monastery is the variation of the four temples that appear different from one another. One of these is fabled to be the famous spot for the three-month meditation of Guru Rinpoche and the birthplace of one of the leading lamas. You must rest sufficiently and save some energy for the journey back. If you had covered the monastery-wards journey on foot, the second half of it can get particularly fatiguing. Yet the charm of the Taktshang Monastery is such that you will want to come back repeatedly.

Takstang Lakhang / Photo from Grete Howard

Tiger’s Nest Monastery / Photo from Grete Howard

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan / Photo from Grete Howard

Tiger’s nest (Taktshang Goemba) monastery / Photo from Amit_C