Tango Monastery

Tango Monastery is a renowned Buddhist monastery situated approximately 14 kilometers north of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, near Cheri Mountain. Its origins trace back to the 13th century, with its founding attributed to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. The monastery was later reconstructed into its current form in 1688 by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan. Tango Monastery is an integral part of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and is particularly significant for its sacred caves, which have been sites of meditation for centuries.

History and Significance

The location of Tango Monastery is steeped in legend and spiritual significance. According to local lore, it is the place where Avalokiteshvara revealed himself as the wrathful Hayagriva. Guru Rinpoche visited the site in the 8th century, identifying it as representing Hayagriva. In the 13th century, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo witnessed a cliff in the form of the deity Tandin (Hayagriva) and, guided by a prophecy, founded Tango Choeying Dzong as a meditation hermitage. This hermitage became one of twelve meditation places entrusted to him by Guru Rinpoche.

A pivotal moment in the monastery's history occurred in 1616 when Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an influential lama, meditated in its caves after migrating from Tibet. He used the spiritual powers he gained to subdue his enemies and consolidate his influence in Bhutan. The monastery, originally offered to him, was later renamed Duduel Phug. Despite challenges, including an attack that blocked a cave with a boulder, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal continued his spiritual practices there. His father's body was also cremated in a cave at Tango.

The monastery was rebuilt in its present 12-cornered form by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye in 1688/1689. Further extensions were made in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the installation of a golden roof in the late 19th century. In the 20th century, the Shaydra School of Buddhist Studies was re-established there, and the monastery underwent significant refurbishment in 1977 and again in the mid-1990s.

Architecture and Features

Tango Monastery is constructed in the dzong fashion, characterized by a curved outer wall and a prominent main tower with recesses. It encompasses the original meditation caves, which are considered the primary sacred sites. The rock face of the 'Horse head' or 'Hayagriva' is a key element of the cave setting. The monastery itself houses six temples, including the Trulku lhakhang, Longku lhakhang, Choeku lhakhang, Guru lhakhang, Namsey Lhakhang, and Gonkhang.

Notable artifacts and features within the monastery include statues of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Vaisravana, and Mahakala, many crafted by renowned Nepalese artists. Other revered objects include a stone with a footprint of Jetsuen Tenzinma, stone impressions of animals, and a golden key shaped like a horse-head. Wall paintings adorn all three floors, with particular depictions on the third floor expressing sorrow at the demise of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

Spiritual Practice and Festivals

Tango Monastery continues to function as an upper-education level monastic school. It is also the residence of the 7th Tri Rinpoche. The monastery hosts the Yarney festival, an important annual summer retreat for monks that involves observing special vows and strict monastic disciplines. This period is considered a time for accumulating great merit, with lay people making food offerings to the monks.