Maratika Chimey Takten Choling monastery was founded in the late 1980s by Ven. Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche, with the blessings of the three eminent Buddhist masters of the 20th century, His Holiness Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, in order to preserve the unique heritage of the site ,and to foster the practice of Buddha Dharma in the region. At this historical monastery many eminent Buddhist masters have done extensive retreats such as His Holiness Sakya Trinzin Rinpoche, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, His Holiness Trulshik Rinpoche, His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, His Holiness Gyalwang Drugchen Rinpoche, His Holiness Shamar Rinpoche, Kyabje Thupten Zopa Rinpoche, Kyabje Trulku Ugyen Rinpoche, Kyabje Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche are just some of the masters who have done retreat at this monastery during their pilgrimage to Maratika. Among them His Holiness Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche starting from 1959 visited Maratika yearly and did extensive retreat as well as blessing Maratika and Chimey Takten Choling monastery. Beside that the national and international Government officials have also made pilgrimage to this holy place such as, The Royal King of Bhutan Jigme Sengye Wangchuk, Nepal King Birendra Birbikram Sahadev and Queen Laximidevi, Holy wood actors have also visited the site.
In 2012, it is home to about 30 resident monks and 25 retreat nuns who practice Buddha Dharma by studying, reflecting and meditating in a unique setting with the help of donors, it endeavors to assist the pilgrims and the local population in many ways.
Local community involvement with monastery
We are currently working on a reforestation project, involving the local community, and school with a view to sustaining the environment through raising awareness.
