Palden Tashi Chholing Tsuglagkhang, also known as Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra, is a Buddhist college in Phuentsholing. Ap Dophu and his family funded the construction, and it was inaugurated by His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choeda, on October 28, 2014.
This Buddhist college, located west of Phuentsholing town, offers education to around 70 students aged between six and 25 and features some fine murals in its central tsuglhakhang (assembly hall).
Today, this educational monastery attracts not only pilgrims but also tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the deep spiritual heritage of Bhutan.
How to Reach Palden Tashi Chholing Tsuglagkhang
Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra is situated in the bustling border town of Phuentsholing, overlooking the Toorsa River.
Sacred Relics to see at Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
- 10 feet high statue of Guru Rinpoche;
- Guru thongdrel;
History of Palden Tashi Chholing Tsuglagkhang
The Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra, a center of Buddhist learning and practice, was built under the patronage of Ap Dophu and his family. This educational monastery was inaugurated by His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choeda, on October 28, 2014.
The establishment of Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra further enhanced the cultural and spiritual allure of Phuentsholing, attracting both regional and international visitors eager to learn about Himalayan Buddhism and the Drukpa heritage.
Description of Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
Palden Tashi Chholing Tsuglagkhang is a serene Buddhist temple located in the vibrant town of Phuentsholing, Bhutan. This temple serves as a spiritual haven for locals and visitors alike, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
As you stroll through the temple grounds, you will be greeted by the gentle sounds of prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and the soothing chants of monks, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The temple is not only a place of worship, but also serves as a shedra, or monastic school, where monastic scholars study Buddhist philosophy, literature, and various practices.
The temple’s architecture is intricate, adorned with vibrant murals and traditional carvings, and reflects the region’s rich artistic heritage. Visitors to Palden Tashi Chholing Tsuglagkhang can engage in meditation and reflection, or take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Best Time to Visit Palden Tashi Chholing Tsuglagkhang
The best time to visit Palden Tashi Chholing Tsuglagkhang is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. However, the perfect time to visit is during the Phuentsholing Thromde Tshechu festival held from the 8th to the 10th of the tenth month of the Bhutanese calendar. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Chhukha with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Sacred Places to Explore in Chhukha
Dokhachu Goenpa: Also known as Chapcha Dargay Choeling Goenzin Dratshang, is an Ekajati Lhakhang in Bhutan near a boulder cave pointing to the sky. It is located in Chapcha Gewog under Chukha Dzongkhag at an elevation of 3048m overlooking the village of Rin Thangkha. Lama Choeje Thinley Jamtsho, a grandson of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, founded Dokhachu Goenpa in 1650.
Tumdra Ami Ney: This sacred site is the chief abode of the wish-granting goddess Lhamo Ekajati, located in Darla Gewog under Chhukha Dzongkhag in Bhutan. The sacred site is said to have been visited and blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Later in the 15th century, Thangthong Gyalpo discovered the Tumdra Aminey. In the early 18th century, Terton Drukdra Dorji spent a few years meditating and discovering “Ters” from the Ney.
Kharbandi Monastery: Also known as Rinchending Goemba, it is a Buddhist monastery perched 400 meters above sea level on a precious hill of Rinchending below the Phuntsholing–Thimphu Highway. The Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden, built the monastery in 1967.
Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang: The zangtopelri in Phuentsholing is a small monastery representing the “celestial abode of Guru Rimpoche” built in the 1900s by Dasho Aku Tongmi. The temple is located in the middle of Phuentsholing town, just a few steps from the Bhutan-India border gate, enclosed by a recreational park.
Places to Explore in Phuentsholing
Phuentsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan, is a bustling border town that serves as an important economic hub and entry point for travelers from India. Phuentsholing blends traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern infrastructure. Here are some of the popular attractions in Phuentsholing:
Kharbandi Monastery: Also known as Rinchending Goenpa, it is a monastery near Phuentsholing that provides a tranquil spiritual escape.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang: A small temple representing the celestial abode of Guru Rimpoche, located in the heart of Phuentsholing.
Milerapa Lhakhang: Sangye Migyur Ling Monastery, also known as Mila Serkhar Guthog Lhakhang, is a nine-story replica of an 11th-century structure built by Milarepa in Tibet.
Bhutan Gate: A traditional Bhutanese gate that separates Bhutan from India, located in the Indo-Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing.
Phuentsholing Park: Phuentsholing Park is a popular destination in the town, with eucalyptus and sal trees, gazebos, a basketball court, and food stalls.
Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre: It is a wildlife conservation area dedicated to breeding and studying crocodiles. The center houses two species of crocodiles: gharials and muggers. Tourists can visit the center from 9 am to 5 pm.
Phuentsholing Vegetable Market: An integrated vegetable market designed to offer fresh produce in a more appealing environment for customers.
Amochu Suspension (Hanging) Bridge in Phuentsholing: Also known as the Hanging Bridge is one of the tourist attractions in Phuentsholing.
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