Learning history and relating significance!

 It was six o’clock in the morning. A day before, a group was formed to go towards Tango Dodeyna Buddhist University. Summer retreat has already begun and monks are in strict disciplines for retreat. Besides, attending the ritual intervals, monks have to study for their examinations. This summer retreat will prolong for 45 days from the day of start.

Thimphu received a heavy down pour in the early hours in the morning. I peeped through a vapor-covered window just to behold to my despair, a murky road ahead our destination. A traditional Bhutanese clothes may not agree to dry up fast if gets wet as it comprises of silk threats intertwined into a beautiful fabric pattern. The Tango Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located 14 kilometres to the north of the capital city of Thimphu. It was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (1184 - 1251) in the 13th century and built in its present form by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler (Desi) in 1688. In 1616, the Tibetan lama Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated in its cave. The self-emanated form of the wrathful Hayagriva is deified in the monastery. It belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan.

 Legend has it that Phajo Drugom Zhipo, propounder of Dodeyna, who was on a visit to this place (Current place, Dodeyna Buddhist University) heard a neighing horse from the direction of Tango. Phajo witnessed the cliff in the form of Yid-Dam Tandin (horse head of Hayagriva). It was said to be prophesized that Lam Phajo would marry a lady named ‘Khandro Sonam Peldon’and later establish the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a Tibetan saint who followed his dreams and prophecy of propagating Buddha Dharma towards south of Tibet has arrived in this glorious region of Bhutan, previously known as Mo-yul (a land of ignorance) in 1616. He faced several Tibetan invasions but after successful victory over them, he meditated in the caves of Tango Monastery.

 Later to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, 4th Desi of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgay rebuilt the monastery in 1688. He was born to a Tsewang Tenzin and Damhoe Tenzinma (a daughter of Lama of Changangkha). Summer retreat is being initiated since 1967, the festival starts from the 15th day of the 6th month of the Bhutanese calendar and concludes on the 30th day of the 7th month, which corresponds to the month of August/September. During this period, which lasts for one-and-a-half-months, the monks observe special vows and the strictest monastic disciplines. The observances by the monks are in the form of their wearing ceremonial yellow robes, do elaborate chants of prayers before and after eating (eating meals from begging bowls), desist taking the afternoon meal, do not leave the precincts of the monastery, and not involve in any kind of entertainment on holidays; such observances are deemed to accumulate great merits. During this period, common people make food offerings to the monks.

We observe an uninterrupted flow of cars heading towards Tango and Dodeyna Buddhist College. They gather to offer tea and edibles to the monks on retreat. With several intervals of time, monks gets into rituals and prayers for the peace and harmony of all living beings. This travel is a fun ride in 30 Mins by car.

 Even if we walk, we can reach without getting tired. It’s not much sloppy of the ride but a gradual ascends and descends through the road aside a river with enchanting frames of fine Chirpiness. Take a ride and enjoy adventure!

Thank you for reading.