Tamzhing Monastery
Bumthang
Tamzhing Monastery, located in the Bumthang District of central Bhutan, is a significant Nyingma Buddhist monastery founded in 1501 by the revered Bhutanese saint and tertön Pema Lingpa. The monastery is notable for its ancient temple adorned with some of Bhutan's earliest wall paintings, including a portrait of Pema Lingpa himself. It serves as the spiritual seat of the current speech incarnation of Pema Lingpa, Sungtrul Rinpoche. Despite its relatively modest and deteriorating physical structures, Tamzhing supports a vibrant monastic community of over 95 monks, many of whom are young boys from impoverished backgrounds. The monastery plays a vital role in preserving Bhutanese religious traditions, especially through its unique sacred dances performed during the Tamzhing Phala Choepa Festival and other Tsechu festivals across Bhutan. These dances, revealed by Pema Lingpa, are considered a living expression of the monastery's spiritual heritage. Tamzhing continues to be a center for Dharma teaching, religious services, and monastic education, although it faces financial challenges due to lack of government support and the costs of maintaining its historic buildings. The monastery's cultural and religious importance, combined with its connection to Bhutanese history and dance traditions, make it a unique destination for visitors interested in Bhutanese Buddhism and heritage.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit around the Tamzhing Phala Choepa Festival to experience the monastery's sacred dances and vibrant religious ceremonies. Since Tamzhing is not government-supported and maintains ancient structures, it is advisable to respect preservation efforts by avoiding activities that could cause damage, such as lighting butter lamps near wall paintings. Purchasing tickets or arranging visits through local guides in Bumthang can enhance the experience. Early morning visits may offer a more serene atmosphere and opportunities to observe monastic life. Discounts or concessions may be available for groups or students, but visitors should inquire locally in advance.
Interesting facts
- •Tamzhing Monastery was founded by the Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa in 1501 and contains some of Bhutan's earliest wall paintings, including his portrait.
- •The monastery is the original home of sacred Bhutanese dances performed at Tsechu festivals throughout the country.
- •It supports a monastic community of over 95 monks, many of whom are orphans or from poor families.
- •Tamzhing was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 2012 due to its cultural significance.
- •The current spiritual head is the 11th incarnation of Pema Lingpa, known as Lama Sungtrul Rinpoche, born in 1967 in Bumthang.
History
Tamzhing Monastery was established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, one of Bhutan's most important saints and treasure revealers (tertöns).
Following his death in 1521, his descendants cared for the temple, but over centuries it fell into neglect and disrepair, with the courtyard even used as a granary.
In 1959, Tibetan refugees fleeing political turmoil arrived in the Bumthang region, revitalizing the monastic community.
In 1960, monks from the Lhalung monastery in Tibet reestablished the monastic body at Tamzhing, growing from a small group to over 95 monks today.
The monastery remains the seat of the 11th incarnation of Pema Lingpa, Lama Sungtrul Rinpoche, born in 1967 in Bumthang.
Despite challenges, Tamzhing continues its mission of religious teaching and community service.
Place Guide
Ancient Temple and Wall Paintings1501
The temple houses some of the earliest surviving Bhutanese murals, including a portrait of Pema Lingpa, showcasing 16th-century religious art and iconography.
Monastic Quarters
The cramped vihara accommodates over 95 monks, many young boys from poor or orphaned backgrounds, where they study Buddhist teachings and participate in religious life.
Tamzhing Phala Choepa Festival
An annual festival featuring sacred dances revealed by Pema Lingpa, performed only at Tamzhing and considered authentic expressions of Bhutanese Buddhist tradition.
