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The Tiger’s Nest Facts & Worksheets

One of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest is an incredible and magnificent location perched on a mountain cliffside at 3,120 meters above sea level.

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One of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest is an incredible and magnificent location perched on a mountain cliffside at 3,120 meters above sea level. Rooted in fascinating legend, Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s most well-known and revered sites and a popular hiking destination.

See the fact file below for more information about the Tiger’s Nest, or you can download our 24-page Tiger’s Nest worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

LEGENDS

  • The name Tiger’s Nest comes from an intriguing legend. Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), a pivotal figure in the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan, is supposed to have flown to this cliff on the back of a tigress, a manifestation of his celestial partner, in the 8th century. 
  • After subduing a demon in a nearby cave, Guru Rinpoche meditated there for three months, establishing the spiritual groundwork for the monastery’s establishment.
  • According to another version, a previous emperor’s wife freely became a student of Guru Rinpoche in Tibet. She changed into a tigress and carried the Guru on her back from Tibet to the current location of the Taktsang in Bhutan. 
  • The account of Tenzin Rabgye, who founded the Taktsang monastery in 1692, adds to the well-known legend of the Taktsang monastery. Experts have stated that the 8th-century Guru Rinpoche reincarnated in the body of Tenzin Rabgye.
  • Tenzin Rabgye was seen by his friends both inside and outside his cave at the same time; a small amount of food was enough to feed all visitors; no one was injured during worship; and the people of the Paro valley saw various animal forms and religious symbols in the sky, including a shower of flowers that appeared and vanished in the air without touching the ground.
  • Guru Rinpoche traveled from Tibet to this location on the back of Yeshe Tsogyal, whom he converted into a flying tigress for the occasion, and landed at the cliff, which he anointed as the site for a monastery.
  • He is known as the protector saint of Bhutan for establishing Buddhism and the Nyingmapa style of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan. Later, Guru Rinpoche went to Bumthang area to appease a great deity whom a local ruler had angered.
  • Many Lamas from Tibet constructed monasteries in Bhutan during the 12th and 17th centuries. The earliest sanctuary in the area was erected in the 14th century by Sonam Gyeltshen, a Nyingmapa lama of the Kathogpa branch who came from Tibet.

MODERN MONASTERY

  • Tertön Pema Lingpa of Bumthang, who constructed numerous monasteries throughout Bhutan in the 17th century, was also influential in the development of religious and secular dance styles based on his vision of the Zandog Pelri (the Copper Colored Mountain), which was the Guru Rinpoche dwelling.
  • Secular dance is done during the Tsche festival in Paro. However, it was under the reign of Ngawang Namgyal of the Drukpa subsect, who fled Tibet to avoid persecution by the competing Gelugpa order.
  • In due course, Ngawang Namgyal established himself in Bhutan as a model of rulership and was known as the “Shabdrung” with full authority. He desired to build a structure on the Taktsang Pel Phuk location.
  • During a Tibetan invasion of Bhutan in 1644-46, Shabdrung and his Tibetan Nyingmapa instructor, gTer-ston Rig-’dzin sNying-po, prayed to Padmasambhava and the protection deities at Taktsang for victory over the invaders.
  • Bhutan won the war against Tibet, but Shabdrung could not construct a temple at Taktsang to commemorate the occasion despite his best efforts.

IMPORTANT EVENTS AND RENOVATIONS

FIRE OF 1998

  • The terrible fire in April 1998 was a watershed moment in the history of Paro Taktsang. The fire, triggered by an electrical malfunction, caused considerable damage, destroying numerous rare antiquities and ancient items.

RESTORATION POST-FIRE

  • Following the 1998 fire, the monastery underwent extensive repair work with the assistance of the Bhutanese government and foreign organizations. The restoration was painstaking, to restore the abbey to its former glory while maintaining its authenticity. The restoration was finished in 2005.

MAINTENANCE

  • The monastery requires frequent maintenance because of its exposed location and weather challenges. Recognizing the cultural and religious significance of Tiger Nest, the Bhutanese government guarantees that maintenance work is carried out regularly, preserving its structural integrity and spiritual character.

LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION

  • Tiger Nest Monastery is beautifully positioned on the cliffside of Bhutan’s Paro Valley. 
  • The Paro Valley, with its luscious meadows and running rivers, provides a lush backdrop against which the monastery’s white walls and golden roofs sparkle even brighter.
  • The monastery is at an incredible elevation of approximately 3,120 meters (10,240 ft) above sea level. This height adds to the Tiger Nest’s magical enchantment, providing stunning panoramic vistas.
  • Paro Taktsang’s architectural magnificence is striking in how it appears to defy gravity, standing solid against the high cliff. The following are some of the causes behind this marvel:
  • Foundation and construction: The monastery’s foundation is embedded deeply in the cliff. Bhutanese architects and builders ensured the building’s stability and durability by utilizing their extensive understanding of the local topography and traditional construction methods. 
  • Interconnected caves and temples: The complex is more than just one structure. It comprises a collection of caves and temples connected by rock staircases and wooden bridges. This elaborate design evenly distributes weight and maintains balance.
  • Supporting elements: Various elements of the monastery are supported by wooden beams and brackets that protrude from the cliff face. These elements are functional and ornamented with elaborate carvings, demonstrating the combination of aesthetics and utility.
  • Harmony with Nature: Rather than battling nature, the architects created the monastery to complement it. The monastery’s location and construction use the sun’s route, ensuring adequate warmth during the winters, while the cliff provides shade and coolness during the summers. Furthermore, most construction materials were acquired from the surrounding surroundings, ensuring a harmonic mix with the environment.

FOUR MAIN TEMPLES OF TIGER’S NEST

  • Taktsang Palphug
    • This is the most visible temple, containing the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The temple is entered through a tiny path, and butter lamps illuminate the inner sanctum.
  • Drolo Lakhan
    • This temple, named after Guru Rinpoche’s meditation form, features stunning murals and thangka paintings depicting various occurrences from the Guru’s life.
  • Guru Tshengye Lhakhang (Temple of the Guru with Eight Names)
    • This temple honors Guru Rinpoche in all of his incarnations. It houses statues and paintings of Guru Rinpoche’s eight primary incarnations.
  • Pelphug Lhakhang
    • This temple, which is smaller than the others but as impressive, is notable for its wooden carvings and beautiful frescoes.

SPIRITUAL RELEVANCE

  • For many, the journey to the monastery is a spiritual journey as well as a physical one. Pilgrims approach the journey with reverence, considering it a way to purge past karmas and achieve spiritual merit. 
  • Many visitors flock to the main cave, where Guru Rinpoche meditated. It is claimed that meditating or even spending a few moments in calm contemplation will bring you blessings and spiritual insights.
  • Several prayer services, or pujas, are held in the monastery yearly. These include scripture chanting, ritual dances, and offerings to the deities. Such rituals are said to invoke supernatural blessings that benefit all sentient beings, not just the participants.
  • Special ceremonies are held in the monastery on days commemorating significant events in the lives of Buddha and Guru Rinpoche. These include the days celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and entry into Nirvana, as well as the anniversaries commemorating Guru Rinpoche’s great deeds.

The Tiger’s Nest Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Tiger’s Nest across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Tiger’s Nest. Rooted in fascinating legend, Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s most well-known and revered sites and a popular hiking destination.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. The Tiger’s Nest Facts
  2. Fact-Checking
  3. Word Starter
  4. Yes or No?
  5. Tiger’s Nest
  6. Plan Your Visit
  7. Instagrammable
  8. Something Symbolic
  9. Mask it!
  10. Societal Impact
  11. And the Purpose?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tiger’s Nest?

The Tiger’s Nest is a renowned monastery and temple complex perched on a cliffside in the upper Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is one of Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred sites, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

Why is it called the Tiger’s Nest?

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. He then meditated in a cave, which eventually became the site for the construction of the Tiger’s Nest. The name “Tiger’s Nest” is derived from this legend.

How can one reach the Tiger’s Nest?

To reach the Tiger’s Nest, visitors typically embark on a challenging trek that takes approximately 2-3 hours. The journey involves ascending steep paths and traversing through a dense forest. Alternatively, visitors can also ride horses part of the way. The trek provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

What is the significance of the Tiger’s Nest in Buddhism?

The Tiger’s Nest is considered a sacred site in Buddhism because it is believed to be the place where Guru Rinpoche meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, and three days. The monastery complex houses several temples and shrines, each with its own religious and historical significance.

Is photography allowed at the Tiger’s Nest?

While photography is generally allowed in the outer areas and courtyards of the Tiger’s Nest, it is restricted inside the temples and prayer halls. Visitors are encouraged to respect the religious sanctity of the site and adhere to any guidelines provided by the monastery’s authorities. It’s advisable to check and follow the specific rules in place during the visit.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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