Chagri Monastery
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, also known as Cheri Monastery, is a significant Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Bhutanese state. It is a major teaching and retreat center for the Southern Drukpa Lineage and holds historical importance as the first monastery founded by Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan, where he also established the first Drukpa monastic order.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal, the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche.
- ›It is a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
- ›The monastery was the site where Ngawang Namgyal established the first Drukpa monastic order in Bhutan in 1623.
- ›Located in the northern Thimphu Valley, about 15 km from the capital.
- ›Accessible via a steep, hour-long walk from the road's end at Dodeyna.
Reliquary Stupa Installed, Major Teaching and Retreat Center
Cheri Monastery
Ngawang Namgyal, Padmasambhava, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, Lhawang Lodoe, Pema Karpo, Umze Peljor
- Establishment of the Monastery In 1620.
- Establishment of the First Drukpa Monastic Order In Bhutan In 1623.
- Retirement and Death of the 7th Druk Desi, Umze Peljor, In 1705-1707.
About Chagri Monastery
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, also known by the shorter name Cheri Monastery, stands as a pivotal religious institution in Bhutan, deeply intertwined with the nation's spiritual and political history. Established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal, the revered 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and the founder of the Bhutanese state, the monastery holds the distinction of being the very first monastery he founded in the country.
Historical Significance and Religious Tradition
Serving as a major teaching and retreat center for the Southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, Chagri Monastery plays a crucial role in preserving and propagating these traditions. Ngawang Namgyal himself spent significant periods in retreat at Chagri, dedicating three years to strict observance shortly after its completion. It was within these sacred grounds in 1623 that he formally established the first Drukpa monastic order in Bhutan, laying the foundation for its monastic governance. The monastery's spiritual lineage traces back further, with religious histories noting visits by Padmasambhava in the 8th century and Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13th century, who was instrumental in establishing the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan.
Location and Accessibility
Located in the northern Thimphu Valley, approximately 15 kilometers from Bhutan's capital, Chagri Monastery commands a scenic position on a hill. Access to the monastery requires a walk of about an hour up a steep incline from the end of the road at Dodeyna. This journey, while physically demanding, offers visitors a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the region, with the presence of goral noted in the vicinity.
Notable Figures and Events
Beyond its founder, Ngawang Namgyal, Chagri Monastery has been associated with other significant figures. The 7th Druk Desi, Umze Peljor, retired to Chagri Monastery in 1705 and lived there until his death in 1707, further cementing the monastery's importance in Bhutanese leadership. The monastery's establishment marked a new era for the Drukpa school, initiating a monastic community structured according to the framework created by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The monks at Cheri were taught by Lhawang Lodoe, who transmitted the Drukpa teachings received from Pema Karpo.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chagri Monastery founded?
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery was established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal, the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche. He was 27 years old at the time of its founding.
What is the significance of Chagri Monastery?
It was the first monastery established by Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan and served as a crucial site for the establishment of the Drukpa monastic order in the country. It continues to be a major teaching and retreat center for the Southern Drukpa Lineage.
Where is Chagri Monastery located?
Chagri Monastery is situated in the northern part of the Thimphu Valley in Bhutan. It sits on a hill above Dodeyna, approximately 15 kilometers from the capital city.
Who founded Chagri Monastery?
The monastery was founded by Ngawang Namgyal, who is also known as the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and is credited as the founder of the Bhutanese state.
What religious tradition does Chagri Monastery belong to?
Chagri Monastery is a Buddhist monastery and a significant center for the Southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
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