Bhutan_Chimi Lhakhang/Temple

14th century temple, Chimi Lhakhang (Chimi temple or monastery) is where I got my name. But I am still wondering how the temple got its name in the first place. I failed to find information regarding the origin of the name of the temple itself. Well, anyway in Bhutan many unborn babies get their names in the temple. Names like "Chimi" and "Kinley" are given at this temple. This temple is also well-known as the temple of fertility. Particularly women seeking blessings to beget children pay visit to Chimi Lhakhang. If you have friends around you unable to have children, suggest this place with conviction. 

Bhutan's Longest Suspension Bridge

Pochu Zam (bridge over the male river) is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. It is located in Punakha. Pochu (male river) and Mochu (female river) surround Punakha dzong (Punakha monastery) and there is a beautiful bridge over both the rivers. There is a wooden cantilever bridge over the female river and this iron suspension bridge over the male river. The greenish river flows below the bridge exquisitely. That was my day out in my PJ. 

Bhutan Buddhist College for Nun

Visited Buddhist College for Nun today. (Check out my selfie with a nun). There were cute nuns around the campus and the surrouding was exceptionally clean. The location of college is really amazing. Its on top of a hill from where you can see most of Punakha and Wangdiphodrang all in one scenery. We can also see how the road leading to Thimphu has been carved into the mountain and greenish river flowing quietly in the deep valley.  Must visit if you haven't! 

Bhutan's New Prince

Since the prince was born on 5th February, the whole Bhutan celebrates the birth of new prince to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema. In celebrating the birth of royal prince,  the government of Bhutan declares Monday Feb 8 as the national holiday. 

The newly born price was first presented to his grandfather, the fouth king of Bhutan. People in twenty districts of Bhutan are celebrating by offering prayers and butterlamps at the temples and monasteries; and by plants trees in few districts. Congratulations to the royal family and to Bhutan. Many people are lucky because they might live through the reign of three kings.

Bhutan Prayer Flags

The structure on my left in the image below are prayer flags called "Lungta" in Dzongkha meaning "wind horse". ("Lung" means "wind" and "ta" means "horse"). There are Buddhist prayers printed on the flags. They are called Lungta because Buddhist believe that the wind will spread the prayers to the world at the speed of horse. Lungta consists of 5 colors: blue, white, red, green and yellow in order. 

The five colors represent the elements: blue symbolizes sky, white cloud, red fire, green water, and yellow earth. Lungta is one of the most common sights in Bhutan. You can see them on the mountains, near the temples, monasteries, and even across the river and on the bridges. Wangdiphodrang (probably the most windy place in Bhutan) is the best place for lungta because it feeds the windhorse with its strong wind.

Paro, Bhutan

View of Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan at the back. More than the dzongs, I really love the traditional cantilever bridges in Bhutan. 

The photo above shows two important places in Paro, Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan behind. Another name of Paro dzong is Rinpung dzong which means “fortress of heap of Jewels.” It was built in 1644 by zhabdrung and established as the administrative and monastic center of the western region. It was founded in the 15th century by Gyelchok and Gyelzom (brothers), the descendents of Phajo Drugom zhingpo. Inside Rinpung Dzong there are 14 shrines and chapels. Some scenes in the 1993 movie “Little Buddha” were filmed in this dzong.

Ta dzong, a 7-storied watch tower fortress was built in 1949. It was established as the national museum of Bhutan in 1968 by the 3rd king of Bhutan. The cylindrical shaped building was built in 1949 by the 1st governor of Paro. It served as a watch tower to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong from Tibetan invasions. The building design reflets the union of the sun (circular shape) and the moon (crescent shape). The tower has 6 floors and not only housed soldiers but also prisoners of war.

The weather is Paro valley is pleasant most of the time. Make sure not to miss put these places because you will regret if you don't. Your eyes will be pleased. 

Bhutan Masks

Many countries have mask dances and it has its beauty. Here are some of the masks you can see during the religious festivals in Bhutan. The religious festivals are called "Tshechu". Some of the masks are quite intimidating but once you know the story told through the mask dance, you will stop fearing them and start to have a different view about it.