Bhutan, the scenically blessed kingdom has allured travelers from around the globe with its grandiose vista of mountainous valleys and ancient legends about flying tigers and chortens. The beautiful kingdom is dotted with magnificent monasteries and Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is one of them.
Situated near the weekend market of the southern border town of Phuentsholing, it is the tallest monastery in the district. It was built in 1990, under the commandment of Dasho Aku Tongmi, a musician who composed the music of Bhutan’s national anthem.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is a private chapel and it represents the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava.
The Bhutanese region is known for taking pride in showing its cultural heritage and craftsmanship through the outstanding architecture of dzongs and monasteries. Tourists can see the skill of artistry of Bhutanese people while visiting the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang.
The three-storeyed Lhakhang, with its fine detailed exterior, has awe-struck many travelers at first glance itself but the interior of the Lhakhang is even more fascinating and vibrant. The walls and the ceiling of the Lhakhang are adorned with pictures and murals depicting the life of Buddha, while each of the floors has its deities.
Exploring the cultural and spiritual significance of Bhutan’s monasteries
On the ground floor, visitors will find statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche or the eight principal forms that he assumed at different points in his life. On the upper floor, they will find eight Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, while the top floor of Zangto Pelri Lhakhang houses the main statue of Amitabha.
After observing every floor and corridor of Lhakhang, visitors can take a stroll around the well-manicured garden which is surrounded by miniature prayer wheels and there are generally pilgrims there to pay their homage, spinning the prayer wheels that send their prayers spiraling up into the heavens.
Learning about different religions and cultures is always fun and tourists can always get in-depth knowledge about the legend and historic records of respective Bhutanese districts from the monasteries.
Best time to visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
- The tranquil ambiance and astounding architecture of Zangto Pelri
- Lhakhang can be relished throughout the year but morning hours during prayer time are considered the best time to visit the Lhakhang.
- Zangto Pelri Lhakhang remains open for everyone from 8 am to 6 pm daily.
