Chari Monastery, also known as Cheri Dorji Dhen, is one of Bhutan’s most sacred and historically significant monastic sites. Located north of Thimphu at the head of the Thimphu valley, the monastery sits majestically on a steep forested hill overlooking the confluence of the Thimphu Chu and Dodena streams.
The monastery was founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594–1651), the unifier of Bhutan, soon after his arrival from Tibet. It was the first monastery established under the Zhabdrung’s patronage, marking the beginning of the Drukpa Kagyu monastic tradition in Bhutan. Chari served as the Zhabdrung’s first meditation retreat, and it became an important centre for Buddhist learning, meditation, and monastic ordination.
In Bhutanese religious architecture, almost every major lhakhang (temple) and dzong includes a Goenkhang — a chamber dedicated to protective deities. The Goenkhang is among the most sacred and restricted spaces in any temple complex, reflecting the deep integration of Buddhist philosophy and indigenous protective cults within Bhutan’s spiritual landscape.
The presence of a Goenkhang in every temple signifies the balance between peaceful and wrathful energies in Bhutanese Buddhism. While the main sanctum of a temple houses peaceful deities symbolizing wisdom and compassion, the Goenkhang embodies the fierce compassion of protector deities who subdue ignorance, ego, and negative forces that obstruct spiritual progress.
In the Bhutanese worldview, spiritual practice is not only about cultivating inner peace but also about maintaining spiritual protection and cosmic harmony. The Goenkhang thus serves as a reminder that the path to enlightenment requires both wisdom and strength — compassion guided by courage.
The Chari Monastery stands as a living monument of Bhutan’s spiritual unification under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and as the cradle of the Drukpa Kagyu monastic lineage in Bhutan. The Goenkhang, present in every temple across the country, complements this spiritual legacy by protecting the sanctity of the sacred space. Together, they embody Bhutan’s enduring blend of faith, devotion, and architectural wisdom — where every structure serves both the physical and the spiritual realms.
Product 0099 is the original goenkhang cupboard.
Our Timber Source is a remarkable piece with a rich history. It was used inside goenkhang of Chari Monastery and is believed to be around 400 years old. The age and significance of this timber element make it a valuable addition to any collection.