Lhakhang is considered the most sacred building in a village. Almost all important social and cultural events are held there. A village without a Lhakhang has to conduct such events outdoor or take it to the nearest village with a Lhakhang. This is what residents of Upper Gozhi in Dagana have been doing. They are now asking for support to restore the ruins of an old Sherpa Lhakhang in the village.
The majority of people in the upper Gozhi is from the Sherpa community and follows Buddhism.
The Sherpa Lhakhang is now covered in thick bushes. The walls still stand firm but are covered by moss and part by ivy. People there say the Lhakhang was built by a Sherpa Lam a century ago and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Dagana. It once used to be a revered structure in the gewog but was left unattended for decades now.
“Initially, the Lhakhang was taken care of by a Lam, locally known as Suray Lam. But nobody looked after the Lhakhang after the lam became old and passed away. Moreover, the lam’s entire relatives were relocated to Lhamoi Dzingkha later. This is how the Lhakhang fell apart,” said Lhakpa Tshering Sherpa, from Gozhi-Toed under Gozhi Gewog in Dagana.
“The lam used to conduct rituals once every year. There were many huge statues but all were damaged gradually when nobody took charge of the Lhakhang,” added Wangdi Sherpa from the same village.
They say if the Lhakhang is restored, it will benefit around 2,000 Buddhist from Gozhi Gewog and its nearby places who are from Sherpa and Tamang communities. People there still have strong traditional and cultural links with it.
“We would be grateful if the lhakhang could be renovated because it was built by our ancestors. Moreover, we don’t have a Buddhist temple here to conduct our annual rituals and festivals or make daily offerings. The nearest Lhakhang that we have is near Dagapela hospital. It is quite far from here,” added Lhakpa Tshering Sherpa.
However, the possibility of restoring the temple is slim since it is not registered with the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. The district culture officer said the ruins of the temple also falls on the state land. Unless they get the land on lease, restoring the ancient temple would not be possible.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sonam
