When is the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a national holiday in Bhutan, observed on the tenth day of the sixth lunar month, which falls in June or July in the western calendar.
History of the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
Guru Rinpoche is also known as Padmasambhava, which means "Lotus-born". According to tradition, it is said that Rinpoche was born as an eight-year-old boy within a lotus flower on the lake of Dhanakosha in Oddiyana. Scholars will differ on the location of Oddiyana, with some saying it was on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, though some have made a case for it being located in Odisha, India.
The exact year of his birth isn't recorded, but it was in the 8th century, and it is accepted by believers that he was born on the tenth day of the sixth lunar moon.
Padmasambhava is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan and defeating demons who wanted to stop the spread of Buddhism. He became known as Guru Rinpoche which means "Precious Teacher".
It is said that he changed his consort into a tigress and travelled on its back to a cave in Bhutan where he meditated for three years, three months, three days and three hours. The famous Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) temple is said to have been built around this cave.
His Birth Anniversary is celebrated with religious services in Buddhist temples across Bhutan.
