Nyingshingborang Lhakhang is regarded as a sacred place in Norbugang Gewog, primarily due to the presence of a monkey statue, fondly known among the locals as Meme Zala. The statue gained its sacred status following a visit by His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo to Norbugang Primary School in 2001. Now with growing popularity, many visitors come to pay their respects, offer prayers, and learn about its spiritual significance.
Located on a hilltop in the village, Nyingshingborang temple was once just an ordinary traditional structure, roofed with banana leaves and housing the monkey statue. Before His Majesty’s visit, the temple and its statues, including Meme Zalawere not considered special.
His Majesty discovered the temple in 2001 while trekking on foot from Nganglam to Norbugang.
“His Majesty rested here for almost 15 minutes and went directly to the temple. We hadn’t even informed His Majesty that this was a temple. Trees had fallen, and the path was blocked, yet His Majesty walked as if there was a clear way,” said Wangda Dorji, Nyingshingborang, Norbugang Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
Even today, locals do not know the exact connection between His Majesty and the statue. What they do know is that after His Majesty’s visit, the statue began to be revered. In December last year, His Majesty the Fourth DrukGyalpo andRoyal Family members visited the temple. Through the Royal visit, residents had the opportunity to know more about the statue.
“After reaching the temple, His Majesty asked what kind of support the caretaker needed. The caretaker replied that CGI roofing would be a great help, as the temple was still roofed with banana leaves. His Majesty immediately granted the CGI sheets,” said Wangda Dorji, Nyingshingborang, Norbugang Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
“His Majesty remarked that the temple had changed significantly, saying that it had not been like that before. In the past, the community had built a roof out of banana leaves, and rain would seep into the temple,” said Rinzin Norbu, Nyingshingborang, Norbugang Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
Last year, with support from the Tarayana Foundation, and Pema Gatshel district and Nganglam dungkhag administrations, the people of Nyingshingborang received a newly built temple. Following its renovation and consecration by Vairochana Rinpoche, the temple has drawn increased visitors.
“When His Majesty first visited the place, he saw the statue kept outside. His Majesty initially thought it was made of wood. But as he watched closely, His Majesty felt as if the statue was drawing him in. Then, the statue began bowing toward His Majesty. That is why the statue is regarded as sacred. This account was shared with us by the Royal Family members,” said NimaTshering, Nyingshingborang, Norbugang Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
Since the consecration, the caretaker has been performing regular smoke offerings and rituals for the well-being of the nation.
“People now believe this temple and statue are sacred, as Their Majesties have visited and offered prayers here. Visitors come seeking blessings, and we also consider it a very sacred relic of our village,” said Jamyang Leki, Caretaker, Nyingshingborang Temple, Norbugang Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
Though the true origin of the Meme Zala statue remains unknown, its sacredness is widely acknowledged.
The temple, also known as SangagCholingDongag Tempaling today, stands as a place of worship and symbol of royal blessings. As more visitors arrive to offer prayers and learn its story, the temple continues to inspire devotion and strengthen the bonds of the community.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Kipchu
