Jiligang Lhakhang in Punakha is in need of basic infrastructure development and renovation. According to the Jiligang Lam, they need hostels, proper toilets, and drinking water supply. The Lhakhang underwent some renovation about 15 years ago. Jiligang Lhakhang is believed to be one of the oldest lhakhang founded by Lam Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century.
Today, monks are residing in a semi-permanent structure. There are over ten monks studying at the monastic school.
It is also used as a guesthouse. Jiligang Lam said owing to its sacredness, the number of visitors has been increasing over the years, requiring a separate guest house.
Likewise, the Lhakhang does not have a separate quarter for lam and teacher.
“We have only a Lhakhang and we are using it for hostel and dining purposes. We do not have any other structure. It is difficult to accommodate our monks. Likewise, there is no separate quarter for me,” said Pasang, Jiligang Lam.
The lam added that there is a need for proper toilets and clean drinking water.
“For now, we have made a temporary wooden pit toilet. We could not construct a flush toilet due to budget constraints. So, we do not have a clean toilet. The water source is filled with mud and we have to frequently visit for repairs. So, we do not have sufficient water,” said Pasang, Jiligang Lam.
The lam said that the lhakhang is in need of renovation as walls have developed cracks and water seeps through the CGI roof damaging statues inside the lhakhang.
The Chhubu Gewog Administration has helped in carrying out minor works but the gup said that the infrastructure development budget is beyond the gewog’s capacity.
“If the budget required is below Nu 500,000, we can somehow do it by ourselves. But if the budget requirement is beyond our capacity, we cannot do anything. We are rather ready to render any kind of help,” said Jimba Gyeltshen, Chhubu Gup.
Meanwhile, the Punakha District Administration said there are no plans for developmental activities and to renovate the Lhakhang.
Jiligang Lhakhang was owned by a private individual and was later handed over to Zhung Dratshang in 2021.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tshering Zam
