The western section of the Punakha Valley is home to the Buddhist Drukpa Kagyu Nalanda Buddhist Institute, often known as Dalida or Daley. The word “Nalanda” refers to the limitless gift of knowledge in the local tongue. The nineteenth Je Khenpo Shakya Rinchen founded it in 1957. He was regarded as the reincarnation of Rechungpa, one of Milarapa’s two Kagyu Buddhist Lineage students. One of Bhutan’s most hallowed locations is the Nalanda Buddhist Institute, which is situated next to Talo Monastery. With its historical and religious significance, the Nalanda Buddhist Institute has established itself as one of the must-see locations in Punakha Valley.
The location of the Nalanda Buddhist Institute was reportedly chosen by the 9th Je Khenpo Shakya Rinchen after he observed numerous favorable signals, according to a tradition from Bhutan. During the winter, he was making his way from Thimphu to Punakha Dzong when he noticed the signs. According to the myth, Je Khenpo Shakya Rinchen observed eight vultures flying where the Nalanda Buddhist Institute is located and mistook them for venerated saints. Later, after receiving instruction from the eight saints in his dream, his misgivings were dispelled. So the Nalanda Buddhist Institute was founded in this manner by the 9th Je Khenpo. Originally, Nalanda Buddhist Institute was only a one-storey building. The second story of the Nalanda Buddhist Institute was later added by the Jambayshinyen.
Nalanda monastery in Bhutan was a vibrant, well-known Buddhist teaching center during Gyalwang Shakya Rinchen’s lifetime. Following Gyalwang Shakya Rinchen’s ultimate Thugham or Maha Samadhi, the teachings gradually ceased, and the Nalanda Buddhist Institute was abandoned for a considerable period of time. The lessons at the Nalanda Buddhist Institute were launched on numerous occasions, however, the majority of the time the teachers either passed away or died again, which led to the Institute’s dissolution.
But in 1991 Nalanda Buddhist Institute was permanently opened after the 4th Dragon King Jigme Singe Wangchuck ordered to start teaching with 2 Lopens and 20 monks. Since then till now Nalanda Buddhist Institute has flourished and spread its spiritual knowledge to the people who have chosen the path of a monk’s life. At the present time, there are more than 100 monks at Nalanda Buddhist Institute and run under the instruction of Ngawang Tenpi Ninchey Rimpoche. The Nalanda Buddhist Institute is mostly visited by people who want to get an insight into Buddhist Philosophy.
Nalanda Buddhist Institute stays open 24 hours. However, visitors can visit Nalanda Buddhist Institute anytime between 9 am to 5 pm. If the visitors are lucky they may witness the monks practicing the skill of philosophical debate at Nalanda Buddhist Institute.
Renting a car is the most practical way to get to the Nalanda Buddhist Institute. Nalanda Buddhist Institute is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Punakha Valley. 46 kilometers separate Punakha from the Nalanda Buddhist Institute. Bhutan Holidays provides economical custom-made package tours to stay in Punakha where you may visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute.
This institute is located at Bhutan’s Punakha. As a result, you will be able to explore some popular tourist attractions like Chimi Lhakhang, Jigme Dorji National Park, Limbhukha, Punakha Ritsha Village, and Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha Dzong, Talo Monastery, etc. You will be able to visit these places with ease if you opt for our well-planned Punakha Tour Package.
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