The centuries-old Kenchogsum Lhakhang in Bumthang has stood the test of time. Built during the 9th century by King Thrisong Deutsen under the command of Guru Rinpoche, the Lhakhang has withstood the rigours of nature including fire.
The monastery was incinerated again in January 2010.
Three years after the fire disaster, the reconstruction of the Lhakhang, under the command of His Majesty the King, has begun.
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Anything which is more than a 100 years old is considered a heritage and we must preserve it anyhow
Kunga Jurmi
The Manager and Chief Supervisor
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New walls are being erected around the old Lhakhang to keep the original Lhakhang at the center, intact. The three main statues of the Lhakhang will be kept inside the old monastery.
The Manager and Chief Supervisor, Kunga Jurmi, said they are following the government’s rule. “Anything which is more than a 100 years old is considered a heritage and we must preserve it anyhow. The space in between will serve as the space for monks to meditate and conduct their daily rituals.”
Until 1996, the Lhakhang was taken care of by the Thershong, Kharsum and Kenchogsum community. They then offered the Lhakhang to Sungtrul Rinpoche. In 2008, a two-storied monks’ residence was constructed with the support from the government.
After the fire disaster in 2010, the Tamshing Lhalung Dratshang headed by Sungtruel Rinpoche initiated the rebuilding project. They collected funds from devotees and other sources. But, many feel reconstructing the monastery through one man’s initiative may prove difficult.
The Committee’s Secretary Pema Kuenchap said the government had promised them some fund but they are yet to receive it. “We have to spend over Nu.2.5 million for buying sand and stone monthly. As of now we have already spend over Nu.1 million as wages for the workers.”
The committee has spent over Nu.6 million for designing the reconstruction, timber and stone for the renovation. The reconstruction budget is estimated at Nu.12 million.
The committee is building a larger temple than the previous one.
According to Kunga Jurmi, the late Peling Thugsey Rinpochoe called the Sungtruel Rinpochoe a week before he passed away, and requested Sungtruel rinpochoe to reconstruct the Kenchogsum Lhakhang by any means.
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The Committee Supervisor, Sonam Tashi, said the Lhakhang was known as Tselung Lhakhang in Pema Kathang and Choekor Lhakhang during the time of Terton Pema Lingpa.
The Lhakhang was damaged by fire and destroyed by a severe earthquake in 1897. The then Governor of Bumthang, Dasho Chimi Dorji, rebuilt the monastery.
“It is believed and proven that the initial Lhakhang by Guru Rinpochoe and Terton Pema Lingpa was bigger. It was a replica of the Samay Lhakhang in Tibet,” said the Committee supervisor, Sonam Tashi. He said the huge stones which serve as the foundation of the wooden pillars prove the case. “We have recovered around 24 such stones from the present construction sites.”
According to our reporter, Komal Kharka, if the committee could manage enough fund, the construction is expected to be complete in three years time.
