Kharbandi Monastery — Attraction in Dzongkhag Thromde

Kharbandi Monastery about 5 km drive from Phuntsholing Town is mostly visited Lhakhang/Monastery in the town. The Monastery is located in a such space that onencan see whole Phuntsholing Town and the Jaigoan town below.

The people prefer to visit it in auspicious days Fullmoon, Guru Rinpochhe and Buddha's Birth anniversaries and Parinirvana. It is called Duechen Nga Zom in Dzongkha-Bhutanese Language which means Five Auspicious Conciding Period in Buddha's life. (Duechen-Auspicious Period/Time, Nga-Five, Zom-Conciding). In this very day Buddha was conceived, born, defeated evil, got enlightenment and passed into Nirvana. Thus, it is most revered and meritful spiritual occasions in Buddhist Dharma. In this day one is believed to get the good merits for good deeds and one need to have a mindful mind with good intention. People fast and avoid meat atleast for a day. The month is also Saga Dawa in Bhutan which means Dry Meat Season. Meatless Month. But people keep in stock and dry for thier daily diet and for guest which has no good merits ofver this belief. Some even use nin-veg in rimdos which is not advisable and we must do away with such culture of meat.

Today being the Lord Buddha's Parinirvana I also happen to visit it today for the first time on the way to Pasakha with my family and inlaws. There was a crowd of people mostly students and also senior citizens. It was drizzling day and overcast with the prayers inside the Monastery by Lamas and Monks. The devotees patiently in queue to prostrate infront of Lamas and Lord Buddha's Satues for wisdom and blessings.

The students mostly prayers for their good performance and results in the exam even if they have not prepared well for the test or exam. This is something where our society have gone other way round. People think and pray that God help is direct in prostration and submission infront of God without practical input of mind and action. Poor mind we are to do all these. Its our action and preparedness that brings good results and fortunes not bad or good luck. People travel far and thousands miles to get blessings where we get it on the very place we stand anywhere if we are truly mindful and prayerful.

However, in this most prayerful day, the triggering slides just near by caught my attention more than the God's blessings. The place looks quite risky and over the time as the slides has triggered in the South-western slopes and already a portion of the old Monastery building has been damaged as shown in the photos below. The area needs proper Geotechnical stability study sooner or later. The slide is just about 5 to 7 meters away from the main Monastery base foundation. The Thromde Authorities must look into the matter seriously for future safety of the Monastery building and the devotees who visits the site for prayers and don't look into safety aspects of the area. They are more blind into faith of God than the actual geology of the areas. This is what happened in one of the most visited temples in the world in Kedarnath, India few years back. Natural disasters are more powerful than the God's measures. Having said this, I don't mean to say there isn't any God's favor but one need to be more practical. The plan most have been already laid down as we can see some blue taurpolin/plastic to protect the rain from direct rain and some basewall below. The area looks sliding right from the International boundary wall about 100 meters below. Thus, taking up this protection Wall or knotbolt grouting would save this important structure before keeping full faith in the miracle 🙏.

Most monasteries and Bhutanese temples are in such solitude place of advantageous beauty right from Paro Takshang -The Tigress Nest to some Cave Nyoes of Rangtsi in Haa but this one looks scary, if not now but in times to come.

Visit and get blessings along with the breathtaking views of Phuntsholing...

Kharbandi Monastery, also known as Kharbandi Gompa, is a prominent Buddhist monastery located in Phuentsholing, Bhutan. Established in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron, it sits at an elevation of approximately 400 meters, offering panoramic views of the Phuentsholing town and the plains of West Bengal, India.

Key Features

Spiritual Significance: The monastery houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is also known for eight distinct stupas, each representing significant events in Buddha's life, such as his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana.

Fertility Blessings: A local legend tells of an Indian couple who, after praying at the monastery for a child, were blessed with one. Since then, it has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples seeking blessings.

Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush gardens adorned with tropical plants and colorful prayer flags, the monastery provides a serene environment. Its hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the border town of Jaigaon in India.

Visitor Information

Timings: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the monastery.

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, are ideal to experience the peaceful ambiance and morning prayers.

Accessibility: The monastery is located about 1 kilometer from the Bhutan Gate and can be reached by a short drive or a leisurely walk uphill.

Nearby Attractions

Bhutan Gate: The main entry point into Bhutan from India, known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang: A temple in Phuentsholing dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, featuring intricate murals and statues.

Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre: Located along the banks of the Amo Chhu River, this center is home to several crocodiles and is a point of interest for wildlife enthusiasts.

Kharbandi Monastery stands as a testament to Bhutan's rich spiritual heritage and offers visitors a tranquil retreat with its serene environment and spiritual...

Karbandi Monastery, perched atop a hill in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, is a spiritual retreat that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The journey to the monastery is an ascent through lush greenery, creating a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

As I reached the monastery, the intricate architecture and vibrant colors of the structures immediately caught my eye. The main prayer hall, adorned with traditional Bhutanese art, radiates a sense of tranquility. The peaceful ambiance is further accentuated by the fluttering prayer flags that adorn the premises.

The highlight of Karbandi Monastery is undoubtedly the vantage point it provides. The sweeping views of Phuentsholing town and the plains below create a mesmerizing backdrop for contemplation and meditation. The well-maintained gardens surrounding the monastery add to the overall serenity, making it an ideal place for both religious practices and quiet introspection.

The monastery also houses a large statue of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Bhutanese Buddhism. Pilgrims and visitors alike find solace in the spiritual aura that envelops the statue and its surroundings.

Karbandi Monastery stands not only as a religious site but as a retreat where one can connect with nature and find inner peace. Whether seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, this Bhutanese gem is a must-visit...