Druk Choding lhakhang

 One prominent structure, as you enter the Paro town, is a Lhakhang. The Lhakhang serves as an entry point to ever fast-growing Paro town. Despite the close proximity to the town, not many visit it. I could visit the Lhakhang only after five years in Paro.

The renovated Lhakhang.

According to the caretaker, the Lhakhang 496 years old which correspondence 1525 (16th century). This, he says, is according to the research done by some experts. However, he also believes that the Lhakhang is much older than what is was found out, maybe double the years that they have pointed.

According to records, Gyalchog, a decedent of Pha Dampa (Dampa was the son of lam Phajo Drugom Zhingpo) used the place as a meditation center. However, the Lhakhang, according to the caretaker, was founded by Lam Ngawang Chogyal (brother of Lam Drukpa Kuenley). Wangchuk (2020) also believes the place to be used as meditation center by Gyalchog, the brother of Gyalzom, who later invited Lam Nagawang Chogyal. Lam Nawang Chogyal, made several visits to Bhutan, each time with different intention. It took him more than five visits to complete the construction of the present lhakhang.

Although some believe that the place was offered to Lam Ngawang Chogyal by Gyalchog, as a gesture of their good relation, they do not mention the place being a slaughter ground for animals (This is what the caretaker explains). So the Lhakhang could have been built to purify the place and discourage the slaughtering of animals.

The shrine in the Lhakhang.
PC: Wangchuk, S (Facebook)

The Lhakhang was visited by Zhabdrung during his reign. Zhabdrung is believed to have stayed here for some time practicing prayers and delegating his administration of the country. The courtyard Lhakhang was used by Paro Penlops as a store for grains collected as tax during those days, the Lhakhang came to be known as Tshongdue Nagtshang (Wangchuk, 2020)

The two-storied temple was recently renovated by the government and consecrated by His Eminence the Dorji Lopen. The main relic of the temple is the Jowo Jampa (The future Buddha). The first floor also houses the Buddhas of three times (Due Sum Sangay), Avalokisteshvara in the form of Chhagtong Chhentong (Thousand hand and eyes), Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and the founder, Lam Ngawang Chogyal. The first floor has the caretaker’s residence on the left and a VIP lounge on the right.

The consecration of the renovated lhakhang
PC: Gyeltshen, D. (Facebook)
The beautiful Avalokiteshvara was sculptured by Late Lopen Damcho who was well known for his skills. The statue was constructed under the patronage and command of Her Royal Highness Gyalyum Kelzang. On the left of the altar lies the statue of Geyen Jagpa Melan, the guardian deity. Jagpa Melan is also the guarding deity of Thimphu Dechenphug. The Goenkhang is soon going to be shifted down floor since the flooring is yet to be completed.  The Lhakhang also has a Kanjur written on the traditional paper (Desho pam). The ground floor has one room on either side of the Goenkhag which is used as a store.

The Lhakhang, today is looked after by Paro dratshang and lam is appointed from there. The compound is adjunction to the Paro Moelam than and vegetable market. The Lhakhang also has a beautiful courtyard and a huge prayer wheel at the entrance.

 

Wangchuk, S. (2020, May 21). Druk Choeding Lhakhang in Paro. Facebook. Retrieved January 12,             2022 from https://www.facebook.com/groups/178436076194799/search/?                                             q=Druk%20choeding%20lhakhang

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