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Adept who, according to Bhutanese tradition, arrived in Bhutan before he went to Tibet in the eighth century. Popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, he is viewed as the Second Buddha by the Nyingma sect. He is depicted seated in a half-lotus position on a lotus throne, wearing a red five-pointed hat with vulture feathers at the top. He wears a blue inner robe with a golden robe and an outer red cloak. He has long flowing hair and a curly moustache. In his extended right hand he holds a vajra and in his left hand, resting on his lap, is a skull cup filled with nectar. A staff topped with a freshly severed head, a decaying head and a skull rests in the crook of his left arm. A ritual dagger, for subduing demons, is tucked into his belt. He may be accompanied by his two female disciples, Yeshe Tshogyal and Mandarava, one on either side. Guru Rinpoche also appears in eight manifestations (Click here).

Milarepa

MILAREPA

A great Tibetan magician (1040–1123) and poet of the Kagyu lineage, he is believed to have attained the supreme enlightenment of Buddhahood in the course of one life. He travelled extensively throughout the Himalayan border lands and is said to have meditated at Taktshang in Bhutan, where he composed a song. Most images of Milarepa picture him smiling and holding his hand to his ear as he sings.

DRUKPA KUNLEY

The wandering ascetic, Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529), is one of the main figures of the Druk Kagyu. His ribald songs and poems were unconventional and have earned him the affection of the Bhutanese. In Bhutan he is often depicted with a bow-and-arrow case and accompanied by a small hunting dog. In Chimi Lhakhang, Drukpa Kunley is depicted dressed similarly to the great Mahasiddhis, with a bare torso and a loin cloth. Elsewhere he is shown wearing normal lay dress with boots. For more on Drukpa Kunley, Click here.

PEMA LINGPA

The terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa (1450–1521) was born in Tang valley, Bumthang. The best-known statue of Pema Lingpa was made by Pema Lingpa himself and is kept at Kunzangdrak Goemba, Bumthang. Usually depicted in the vajra position, Pema Lingpa holds a bumpa (vase symbolising long life) in his hands and wearing a hat similar to that worn by Guru Rinpoche, with the notable addition of two vajras crossed at the front of it. For more on Pema Lingpa, Click here.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

ZHABDRUNG NGAWANG NAMGYAL

The Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594–1651) is regarded as the founder of Bhutan, where he arrived from Tibet in 1616. The Zhabdrung has a distinctive white, pointed beard and wears monastic robes, and is seated in the lotus posture. In his left hands he holds a bumpa and his right hand is in the ‘witness’ mudra. Over his right shoulder is a meditation belt. The Zhabdrung wears a distinctive ceremonial hat of the Druk Kagyu order.

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Architecture

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HOUSES

DZONGS

GOEMBAS & LHAKHANGS

CHORTENS

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Bhutanese architecture is one of the most striking features of the country. Massive dzongs (fort-monasteries), remote goembas (monasteries) and lhakangs (temples), as well as the traditional houses all subscribe to a characteristic Bhutanese style. The lack of written plans, however, means there are many variations and very few structures sharing the same design. There are also regional variations dictated by local topography and available building materials.

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HOUSES

The style of Bhutanese houses varies depending on the location, particularly the elevation. Thatched bamboo houses predominate in the lower altitudes in the south of the country, whereas at very high altitudes most homes are simple stone structures or even yak-hair tents. Houses in the inner-Himalayan zone, such as those around Paro and Thimphu, are built in a characteristically Bhutanese style oddly reminiscent of Swiss chalets.

A typical Bhutanese house is two storeys high with a large, airy attic used for produce storage. In rural areas the ground floor is always used as a cattle barn and the upper floor as the