Pangri Zampa Monastery, also a College of Astrology, is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, founded by Ngawang Chogyal in the 16th century. The monastery is located on the west bank of the Thimphu River, north of Thimphu city.
The monastery was named Druk Phodrang, meaning the “Castle of the Dragon.” However, when Zhabdrung Rinpoche took over, it was named Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, a Temple near the Bridge on an Abandoned Ridge.
A nine-day ritual, Jungwa Chidoe, is performed annually for the peace and prosperity in the country, as well as the well-being of all sentient beings. Every year, many people visit the monastery to find out their predictions for their careers, health, wealth, luck, and many other aspects of their lives. The Monastery is also a must-visit for tourists who wish to know their future.
How To Reach Pangri Zampa Monastery
Pangri Zampa Monastery in Bhutan is easily accessible. It’s around 8 kilometers north of the city of Thimphu. You can get there in two ways- by road and on foot. From Thimphu town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The drive takes around 20 minutes. But for those who enjoy walking, hiking to the monastery is an option. The hike takes about an hour.
Sacred Relics to See at Pangri Zampa Monastery
- The giant cypress tree where the raven that guided Zhabdrung to Bhutan disappeared into;
- The shrines of Yeshi Gonpo and Palden Lhamo;
- A statue of a Menmo, a consort of Genyen Jagpa Melen;
- Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha on the top floor;
- A statue of Zhabdrung Rinpoche;
- The College of Astrology.
Historical Significance of Pangri Zampa Monastery
Pangri Zampa monastery was built by Ngawang Chogyal in the 16th century. It was named Druk Phodrang, meaning the “Castle of the Dragon.” Later, Lam Kha Nga, or the five Lamas of different religious sects, took over the monastery.
It is said that a raven guided Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to Druk Phodrang Temple in his dream before he arrived in Bhutan in 1616. While in Tibet, Zhabdrung had a dream of a large black raven that flew to Bhutan and landed on a cypress tree near Druk Phodrang temple.
When Zhabdrung arrived at Druk Phodrang from Laya, the Lam Kha Nga abandoned the temple in fear of Zhabdrung’s power. Thus, the monastery got its name, Pangri (an abandoned ridge) Zampa (a bridge) Monastery, a temple on an abandoned mountain near a bridge. The monastery was also given names like Pangri Lhakhang and Pangri Zamdong, since its location faces the bridge.
Zhabdrung took over the Lhakhang and extended it to the southeast corner of the monastery.
Description of Pangri Zampa Monastery
When you arrive there, a bridge connects the east bank of the Thimphu River to the opposite bank. The giant cypress tree in front of the main temple is believed to be the tree into which a raven, who guided Zhabdrung to Bhutan, disappeared.
Pangri Zampa monastery features two famous temples, located on its northeast and southeast corners. The architecture closely resembles that of the nearby Dechenphug Lhakhang.
Pangri Zampa Lhakhang
The Druk Phodrang temple, built by Ngawang Chogyal, is the main temple of Pangri Zampa. It is a four-storey building. The ground floor is a classroom for monks to study astrology, while the second and third floors are sacred shrines of guardian deities, Yeshi Gonpo and Palden Lhamo. The fourth floor is a sanctum which houses a statue of the Lord Buddha.
Zhabdrung Lhakhang
Zhabdrung Lhakhang is a four-storey temple built by Zhabdrung next to the Druk Phodrang temple. The top floor, which was the meditation room of Zhabdrung, now houses his statue. On another floor is a statue of a mermaid, said to be the consort of Genyen Jagpa Melen, the guardian deity of Thimphu, who resides in Dechenphug Geynyen Neykhang.
College of Astrology
Pangri Zampa monastery has gained fame for its role as a College of Astrology since 2003. It became an educational institute of the central monastic body for learning traditional astrology of Bhutan. The College of Astrology releases annual official Bhutanese calendars and is also responsible for determining dates for important national events. Pangri Zampa College of Astrology had determined auspicious dates for past national occasions, such as the coronation day of Bhutan’s fifth king in 2008, the Royal Wedding in 2011, and the crown prince’s naming ceremony in 2016.
Drolma Zhingkham Lhakhang
Drolma Zhingkham Lhakhang, or Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang, is a temple dedicated to the 21 emanations of Tara, a female bodhisattva. It is located a few minutes’ walk from Pangri Zampa Lhakhang. The one-storied Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang, featuring 21 Tara clay statues, was constructed by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck in 2010. His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choedra, and Gyalse Trulku Jigme Tenzin Wangpo consecrated it in 2014.
Annual Ritual of Pangri Zampa Monastery
A nine-day ritual, Ten-chi Kurim Jungwa Chidoe, is performed annually for peace and prosperity in Bhutan, as well as the welfare of all sentient beings. It is believed that attending this ritual will help in cleansing misfortunes for a year. Additionally, it is said that one will not need to perform any rites at home. The college instituted the annual Kurim in 2003.
Best Time to Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery
The best time to visit Pangri Zampa Monastery is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). There are no exact timings for visiting the temple, but it is advisable to visit the monastery during the daytime, as it closes by evening. The lama reads your past and future lives according to Buddhist beliefs on request. No entry fee is charged for visiting Pangri Zampa monastery.
Conclusion
Pangri Zampa Monastery, established in the 16th century, is a revered spiritual and architectural landmark nestled north of Thimphu. Renowned as the College of Astrology in Bhutan, it plays a pivotal role in traditional Buddhist learning and astrological practices, often consulted for auspicious dates of national events. The monastery features two temples, with intricate murals and traditional Bhutanese wooden architecture. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about your future predictions on luck, money, health, career, and many more.
