The renovation of the first school of astrology in the country, Tshangkha Shedra in Trongsa, is finally complete. The restoration works started in 2017 after the old weather-beaten Shedra became risky to live in. The Shedra is more than three decades old and produces about ten graduates every year.
The Shedra was consecrated recently in compliance with COVID-19 protocols. It was constructed in 1988 as the centre for Buddhist Astrology studies upon royal command of Drukgyel Zhigpa.
“The Lhakhang was on the verge of collapse due to its age. The wooden structures started rotting, cracks on the walls widened and the weather hasn’t helped either,” said Pema Chophel, the Principal of Tshangkha Buddhist Institute in Tangsibji Gewog.
“Earlier, when we came here for the first time, the Shedra was popular just in name. There was nothing more than that. But now we are proud to have a learning place not just in name, but in form too,” added Pema Choejay, a monk of the Shedra.
Astrology in Tshangkha started gaining popularity in the time of Late Lam Norbu Wangchuk who was believed to be the pioneer to spread astrology studies in Bhutan from the Shedra there.
“After the Lam passed away, the astrology studies also gradually vanished for several years. And later in the mid-1990s, it was reinstituted in Dechenphodrang and then in Pangrizampa in Thimphu,” the principal added.
According to the principal, almost all the present astrologers across the country started their astrology schooling from the Shedra here during the days of the Late Lam Norbu Wangchuk.
And now with the Shedra renovated, they hope to restore this prestige and bring back the good old days.
Passang, Trongsa
Edited by Sonam
