Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang in Phuentsholing is a small monastery representing the “celestial abode of Guru Rimpoche” located in the middle of Phuentsholing town, just a few steps from the Bhutan-India border gate enclosed by a recreational park. Dasho Aku Tongmi built the Temple in the 1900s.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Phuentsholing Gewog under Chhukha Dzongkhag. This three-story monastery, which features exquisite ancient Bhutanese architecture, is well-known for its eye-catching statues and intriguing murals. The Lhakhang has become one of the best pilgrimage sites and a popular tourist attraction in Phuentsholing among Indian tourists.
Zangdopelri is where Guru Padmasambhava is revered, and Bhutan has many such architectural replicas. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has no entrance fee.
How to Reach Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is in the heart of Phuentsholing town, near the Bhutan Immigration Office, offering peace and solace. Phuentsholing is the border town of Bhutan and India. From India, the only way to reach Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is via road. The Nearest Airport is Bagdogra Airport and the Nearest Railhead is the Hasimara Railway Station. You will get several taxis or autos for hire to reach Jaigaon, the border town of India.
Sacred Wonders to See at Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
- Statue of Buddha Amitabha;
- Statue of Guru Rinpoche;
- Eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche;
- Statues of Bodhisattvas;
- Statue of Avalokiteshvara;
- Statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal;
- An elephant skull in a box.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
Historical Significance of Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang in Phuentsholing, also known as the ‘Paradise of Guru Rinpoche’ is a site of great historical significance in Bhutan. It is said that an elephant skull was uncovered while digging the foundations for the construction of the older Mani Dungkhor Lhakhang. This skull can still be seen between the old and the modern Lhakhang housed in a box.
Later, Dasho Aku Tongmi, a music composer of the National Anthem of Bhutan, built a modern Zangto Pelri Lhakhang in the 1900s. The Monastery was constructed to represent the celestial paradise of Guru Padmasambhava. Lama Sherab Tharchin also contributed immensely to the new monastery.
Also Read: Kharbandi Monastery, a Temple on the Precious Hill in Phuentsholing
Description of Phuentsholing Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
Zangto Pelri monastery is in the center of Phuentsholing city. The monastery is always abuzz with activity, with both locals and tourists doing the circumambulation and spinning the prayer wheels.
When you visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, respect the religious practices and culture by dressing conservatively and following the local traditions. The Lhakhang is not just a tourist site but also a place of deep spiritual importance to Bhutan. Circumambulate the temple or any other religious artifacts in a clockwise direction.
As you enter, the entrance is beautified by flower gardens and a nice park up front, with a huge ball fountain and a small pond. There are many miniature wheels around the temple and giant prayer wheels behind it, where visitors spin and circumambulate while they relax and soak in the spiritual vibes.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is a three-storied complex structure with splendid exteriors and equally marvelous interiors, with walls and ceilings adorned with colorful frescoes and murals. Considered one of the tallest Zangdo Pelri Lhakhangs in the country, it houses life-size statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and other Bodhisattvas. The main statue of Zangto Pelri Lhakhang in Phuentsholing is Buddha Amitabha (Sangay Yuepamey) on the top floor of the monastery.
On the second floor, the shrine houses statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Chenrezig, and the eight Bodhisattvas. A four-meter-tall statue of Ugyen Guru Rinpoche flanked by his eight manifestations is on the ground floor. The walls have paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. You can take part in lighting butter lamps and observing the daily rituals and prayers here.
Best Time to Visit Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
The best time to visit Phuentsholing is from November to April. You can visit the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang any time between 8 AM and 6 PM. However, the park is open till 10 PM. Visit to relax and soak in the spiritual vibes in the evening, as a fountain light up the monastery and its vicinity.
