From conducting prayer ceremonies to holding rituals for the dead, the community Lhakhang plays a crucial role in any village. But this has remained a distressing subject for the people of Dhigala in Zhemgang. With the old temple mostly in ruins, works to reconstruct a new one began in 2010. But it took more than a decade for the new Lhakhang to complete.
The one-storied Lhakhang has been built on the slope of a hill above Dhigala village. The Tsugla Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang consecrated the new structure.
The consecration of the newly constructed Lhendup-Choling Lhakhang was keenly anticipated by the residents of the village.
“Our old temple was very small and it was inconvenient to carry the rituals there. Now we have a new and bigger Lhakhang with all the relics installed inside,” said Yeshi Jamtsho.
“I was able to offer my land for the construction of a new Lhakhang which has now been completed. We feel very fortunate,” said another resident, Namdron.
“Now that we have a new Lhakhang and also have the Tsugla lopen visit our village, we feel very blessed,” said Chimi Wangmo.
Another resident of Dhigala, Tshering Tenzin says the new Lhakhang is timely and much-needed
“Since we have to conduct all kinds of rituals all the time such as the Kanjur recitation and rituals for the dead and so on.”
The reconstruction of the Lhakhang was initiated by Jigme Lhendup, a former BBS employee who is a native of Dhigala. According to him, the work was delayed mostly due to budget constraints. Despite the setback, he says everyone is happy now.
The new Lhakhang was constructed at a cost of more than Nu 15 M, The Gewog office contributed Nu 5 M and the rest was collected through public donations.
According to village elders, the original Lhakhang is believed to have been built about 90 years by a village native.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
