Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan Date in the current year: June 16, 2024

Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an Indian guru who made a significant contribution to the development of Tibetan Buddhism professed in Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan and certain certain regions of the Himalayas. In Bhutan, Tibetan Buddhism is the state religion. Guru Rinpoche is believed to have introduced Buddism to Bhutan.

According to legend, in the eighth century Guru Rinpoche flew to a cave in Bhutan from Tibet on the back of his wife Yeshe Tsogyal, whom he transformed into a tigress, and meditated there for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. Later the famous Paro Taktsang monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, was built around that cave.

Guru Rinpoche spread Buddhism across Bhutan and tamed local demons that did not like the spread of the new religion. He earned the title of Guru Rinpoche that means “precious teacher”. Birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a public holiday in Bhutan. It is celebrated with religious ceremonies that take place in Buddhist temples throughout the country.