A community Lhakhang plays an important role in the religious life of the residents. It provides them with a place to worship, offer prayers and conduct rituals. The remote Monpa village of Phumzor in Trongsa has been waiting for a community Lhakhang for a long time. And the wait is finally over with the District Culture Office and the Gewog Administration planning to begin the construction of the one-story Lhakhang from August this year.
The much-awaited Lhakhang would be constructed on a half-acre land donated by late Phurbala, a resident of the community, some three decades ago for the Lhakhang construction. The residents at present perform all kinds of rituals from a small outreach health clinic constructed on his land.
People in the village are now overjoyed by the prospect of having their own Lhakhang soon.
“Since Phumzur village is a sacred place visited by Guru Rinpochhe, the Lhakhang will immensely benefit the community in welcoming many devoted Buddhist scholars, monks or religious practitioners here,” said Lhajay, the Jangbi Tshogpa in Langthil Gewog.
“For now, all kinds of rituals, arrangement of logistics for Lams and monks are served from temporary makeshift structures. We have also been pitching tents outside while conducting funeral rites to accommodate people,” added Drelang, from Phumzur.
The Home Ministry allocated about Nu 2.3 M for the construction.
“The Lhakhang will be a one-storey building as proposed by the residents. Building bigger than that is impossible as the village is located very far and also due to the budget constraints,” said Sonam Dendup, the Langthil Gup.
Located in the national park or protected area, the village is devoid of a motor road, electricity and a crematorium at present. There are around 15 households in the village.
Passang, Trongsa
Edited by Sonam
