Talo Sanga Choling
Monastery is one of the prominent monasteries in the country as the monastery
is directly connected to the mind manifestation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
The monastery is commonly known as Talo Geompa.
Perched at an
elevation of 2,800 m above the peaceful community called Talo, Talo
Sangacholing Monastery was founded in 1767 by Chogtul Jigme Singye (1742-1789),
the fourth reincarnation of Lam Thripa (Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, which literally
means the holder of the throne), a title given to Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye
(1638-1696) as the Gyaltsap (regent) chosen by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is
located above Punakha valley around 16 Km drive from Kuruthang town.
Jigme Drapa
(1791-1830), the third mind reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel
renovated the area and built a temple. He also installed statues that he
brought from Samye Monastery in Tibet.
After the
completion of Talo Monastery it has served as the residence of the successive
mind reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Thereafter the temple was
renovated by several reincarnations of Zhabdrung including Zhabdrung Jigme
Norbu, the fourth mind incarnation, Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyel, the fifth mind
incarnation.
The Kundung of the
3rd and 5th mind reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was housed there. I
received blessing from the walking sticks of the 3rd and 5th Zhabdrung. On
request, my travelling Guru Rinpoche statue was connected to all the Nagtens of
Talo Monastery.
Further inside,
there is Tshapami Statue. Below the statue on each side there is Namsey Tsherim
that is sealed from public display. Like in all other monastery of Bhutan, the
interior and exterior of Talo Monastery show the amazing skill of Bhutanese
artist while reflecting the importance of culture and religion in Bhutan. All
inner walls are painted with Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s images substituting
10,000 Zhabdrung statues as there are no place to place the Statues.
Talo Sanga Choling
also house many lhakhangs of which Neten Chudru (Sixteen Arhats) lhakhang is
one of them. According to the monk caretaker, the statues and relics at Talo
monastery are so many and sacred that it can easily fill up Punakha Dzong. In fact the monastery was constructed to store sacred relics to fill Punakha Dzong in case of un-eventualities.
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| (Photo Courtesy Bhutan Travel Agent - Yelha Bhutan Tours) |
Further on the left
side, after coming down from the main hall and taking left staircase there is
Gonkhang (inner Chapel dedicated to guardian deity Talo Gyap). The wall of the
first room is fully decorated with different types of patangs (long sword) and
Darli dangling all around. Entering inside is the Talo Gyap’s Gonkhang. Here
you will see different forms of fearful looking statues (couldn’t recollect the
names). Many old and modern captured guns including AK-57 and machine guns are
seen here.
Below the monastery
there is Zimchu (living quarter) of Zhabdrung Jigme Norbu.
Talo Monastery is
an essential Drukpa Kagyu monastery. The Drukpa Lineage stems from the
Primordial Buddha Vajradhara.
The panoramic vista
of the entire valley and surrounding villages and the high hills beyond
Wangduephodrang can be viewed from the monastery. While viewing I saw rainbow
emerging from the picturesque place.
Talo Monastery also
observed annually three-day festival particularly popular for its masked dance
and Atsara dance.
The great Talo
monastery is under the care of Their Majesties the Queen Mothers.
It
is a memorial visit. Please visit, get blessing and enjoy the environment.
