TaPhag (Taphay) Goenpa

 

Yidam Tamdrim.

Away from the bustling of the developments, overlooking the majestic Choetse dzong, is the Taphag goenpa. The name of the goenpa was derived from the rocky cliffs located above the goenpa. One of the cliff is believed to be the head of Tandrim, (Hayagriva). The cliff is believed to be the shape of a horse head. One can also see footprints of the horse. The other cliff which is about 100 meters away from the

Taphag Goenpa as seen from Tandrim Nye

Tandrim nye, is believed to the blessed site of Khando Dorji Phagmo (emanation of Vajravarahi). Dorji Phagmo can be distinguished by the head of a female boar head (Varahi), which is visible above her right ear. Ta in dzongkha refers to horse while phag is the pig. Thus, Taphag the name of the goenpa.

No formal records could be found about the goenpa but oral history believes that the goenpa was blessed by Druthob Ngawang Samten. Later His Majesty the first Druk Gyalpo built a lhakhang with nangtens (inner relics). His majesty also built a private house near the lhakhang. It is said that the king spent a fair amount of time at the goenpa receiving teaching from his masters and practicing the teachings. Unfortunately, the royal private house is nowhere to be seen now.

The Tandrim Nye

His majesty Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck sent messages to his root Guru Tobdhen Shacha Sheri in Tibet to visit Bhutan. Since the master was too frail due to his age, he sent his trusted disciple Tshampa Ngoudup to bless the goenpa and the place. Tshampa Ngoudup, among many had great disciples like Gashey Khandu from Simphu and Lopen Gyempo
Khando Dorji Phamo.

from Bumthang.  

Many great Buddhist masters like 8th khamtrul, Tobdhen Aachung and Tobdhen Choglay have meditated at the place. The two storied lhakhang houses a statue of Chenrigzig Chhagtong Chhentong. Beautiful mural paintings of Buddha, the great Buddhist masters and Tshering namdrug (The six auspicious signs of longevity) can be seen in the lhakhang.

Today the lhakhang is under the Chhoetse rabdey. Senior monks practice their three year retreat at the goenpa. There are few mediattion huts surrounding the lhakhang.  With the financial support form the government and the Chhoetse rabdey, separate meditation hermitages are under construction just below the
The Tandrim Nye (left) and
Dorji Phamo Nye (Right)

goenpa to accommodate more practitioners.

The farm road to the goenpa is accessible only during the dry season and one has to bear the arduous
uphill for about two hours during other times to reach the goenpa. Once at the goenpa, one can enjoy the breathtaking view of Trongsa, the place where the monarchy began in Bhutan. Today, the goenpa is widely known and Taphay Goenpa and the old names seems to be fading away.

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