Zilukha Nunnery
Zilukha Nunnery
Zilukha Nunnery or Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery is located in Zilukha, Thimphu above Tashichoedzong. The place has the popular Nunnery of around 70–80 nuns inside the compound above the roadside going towards Dechenphodrang and Takin reserve center and Sangaygang viewpoint. it is also known as Zilukha Anim Dratsang. It is a Buddhist monastery. It was built in 1976 by Thangtong Gyalpo, Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Thangtong Gyalpo developed smelting iron to create enormous chain links in Tibet and Bhutan. Around 58 suspension bridges were built by him in Bhutan and Tibet. He also designed and built many large and unusual stupas across Tibet and Bhutan including the Zilukha nunnery.
Born in upper Tsang, Tibet. Thangtong was a unique mahasiddha both because of his tremendous realization and his engineering accomplishments. He established remarkable engineering marvels under the difficult terrain of Bhutan and Tibet.
Zilukha nunnery plays a vital role in providing the Thimphu residents their religious needs. You can see two golden deer facing a Dharma wheel. This is common in Buddhist monasteries and temples, refers to the first teaching of Buddha which took place in Sarnath Deer Park near Varanasi, India. The setting in motion is the first turning of the Dharma Wheel. The 8 spokes of the Dharma wheel represent the 8 paths to enlightenment, which must work together. The right understanding, attitude, speech, action, work, effort, mindfulness, and meditation.
You can interact with nuns in the monastery. They have their living rooms above the Monastery. you can walk around the compound of the Zilukha nunnery and interact with the nuns. Keep in mind to remain silent inside the vicinity. Do not disturb the residents during their prayer time. Prayers are performed every morning and evening hours.
Local people visit the Zilukha Nunnery to offer prayers. You can light butter lamps and provide religious offerings and ask the caretakers to recite prayers if you are busy and can effort to do at your home.
Places nearby Zilukha Nunnery
You can check out places nearby areas of Zilukha Nunnery
Mothithang Takin Preserve
Motithang Takin Preserve is located 6-minute drive from Zilukha Nunnery. Just below Sangaygang View Point Thimphu. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is preserved there to provide tourists to see the animal. Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.
Sangaygang View Point
Sangaygang View Point Thimphu has located just 10 minutes drive from Zilukha Nunnery. It is just above the nunnery. Local people name as BBS Tower or Sangaygang. The viewpoint is at an elevation of 2685 m, which offers a panoramic view of Thimphu city. Sangaygang viewpoint Thimphu is best for enjoying the morning and evening walk. Moreover, you will find a mini Gym before you climb uphill. During evening hours you can enjoy the sunset and you can see the beauty of the light of the whole city.
Dechen Phodrang
Dechen Phrodrang is 5-minutes drive towards the north and above Tashochoedzong. It’s a Buddhist monastery. In 1971 it became a monastic school. It has around 500 student monks who undergo eight-year courses. On the hilltop, you can see a small monastery where you can find Bhutanese artifacts. You will find 12th-century paintings monitored by UNESCO. You will see the statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the upper floor. You can see Sakyamuni Buddha on the ground floor.
