Chagri Dorjeden Monastery

As I recall my childhood memories, I realised that I was more engaged into visiting monastries. listening to the significance of Monasteries excited me than playing with friends. My late father had history of almost all the monasteries and dzongs in his figure tips.  Before going to bed, he used to share the history of Bhutan. Of all, he was more into Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel history(Namthar). Every time I go on vacation, he will have a history book in his hand and make sure to narrate it to the neighbors. At that point of time, I did give any importance to his interest and I am not trying to fake my late  father interest either.  I wish I would have that opportunity once again so that I could use this for meaningful purposes. 

One of the important place in history of Bhutan is Cheri Monastery located at the northern end of  Thimphu Valley.  It was found in 1620 by  Zhabdrung Ngawang  Namgyel,  the unifier of Bhutan.  It sits on the hill above the end of road at Dodeyna and just an hour of walk up the steep. 

On 06th December,2020, our journey started from Changangkha Lhakhang. We seek the protection for my daughter as she was born in Thimphu hospital. Bhutanese consider Lha Tandin(local deity)as their god of birth to those born within the area of Chubachu stream river and the changzamtog, Thimphu.

Then, we headed to Simtokha dzong, the first ever Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is the place of old scripture that was there since Zhabdrung  time.  It holds the goenkhang of Palden  Lhamo, Yeshi Geonpo and Jaro Donchen. 

After reaching to Dodeyna bridge,  we had light tea and snacks. We walked through the beautiful enchanting nature.  It refreshes the soul as we walk higher. On the way, we can see amazing holy sites and the first chorten is build in the memory of Yak Nima Singye(Zhabdrung's riding Yak). The place is famous for retreat and we can see many retreat center scattered throughout. 

As per caretaker, Zhabdrung spent three years in strict retreat in the cave and had many prophecies . Today, we can see a lhakhang attached to the cave by the name Duea-deel Phu/lhakhang. It is still believed that the statue of Zabdrung build inside the cave has a warm body. They still practice the offering of three regular meals as usual. The lam Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo and Padmasambhava have also visited the place.There is no wonder why many serious meditators choose the place for meditation.

We can  also see the fasinating drubkhang of Lhawang Ludrup on the rock. It is more blessing to see the the main Monastery  under renovation work. 

I have visited Cheri Monastery several times and it doesn't seem to end the urge of visiting again. The reason could be because of magical myth and blessings of many great revered saint who have visited the holy place. Its rich history and pictorial view has become a must visit destination of Bhutan and a favored travelers who want to learn more about the Buddist philosophy.