After more than six years without a fully functional place of worship, residents of Jarogang-Dzawo Chiwog in Athang Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang, are once again able to use their historic Lhakhang. Believed to have been established during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century, the temple was formally consecrated today by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
His Holiness presided over the consecration ceremony while travelling from Gelephu to Thimphu.
The two-storey traditional Lhakhang underwent major renovation and restoration works beginning in 2018 due to its deteriorating condition. The project was initially expected to be completed within three years but took another three years, mainly due to budget constraints.
The restored temple now features sacred relics and intricate traditional wall paintings.
The restoration cost Nu 30.5 M. Of this, Nu 10.6 M was provided by the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Authority, while the remaining amount was raised through donations and contributions from various donors and sponsors.
Sherab Wangchuk, a resident of Jarogang-Dzawo Chiwog, said the restoration has brought great happiness to the community.
“We are extremely delighted to see our temple restored to its full grandeur. It feels as if we have received a beautiful flower from the middle of a meadow. This is a moment we will cherish forever, and we will continue to offer our prayers and heartfelt wishes for the Lhakhang and the well-being of our community,” he said.
According to Athang Gup Dawa Gyelshen, Jarogang holds special historical and religious significance because of its association with Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
“Jarogang is a historically significant place where Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is believed to have returned happily from this place while he was heading towards India. This is one of the reasons why Jarogang Lhakhang holds special religious and historical significance. We also preserve several sacred relics believed to have been brought by Zhabdrung, along with religious artifacts associated with him, which are kept at the Lhakhang for public veneration even today,” he said.
A jackfruit tree at the site is also believed to have grown from a seed of a fruit offered to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The tree is preserved as part of the religious and historical legacy associated with him.
Despite the restoration, residents say the Lhakhang needs more monks to fully serve the religious and spiritual needs of the community.
The Lhakhang currently has a Buddhist school with one Lam, one teacher and four novice monks.
Sherab Wangchuk said the community hopes to have at least five monks serving at the Lhakhang.
“With this magnificent Lhakhang, we currently have a Lam and a Lopen. However, we feel that having at least five monks would help us fulfil the religious and spiritual needs of the community. We are planning to discuss the matter with the Dratshang and request additional monks from the Shedra and Buddhist schools. We hope to have at least five monks serving at the Lhakhang,” he said.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
