His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen today graced the Salhang Tendrel or the ground breaking ceremony for the re-construction of Kenchosum Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Their Majesties were received by Sung-truel Rinpochhe and the monks of Tamshing Dratshang. His Majesty offered prayers and placed a Sa-Chu-Bum-Ter for the Lhakhang.
The 9th century Lhakhang was destroyed by a fire in February 2010. The reconstruction works are expected to take five years.
The Sung-truel Rinponchhe has contributed over Nu. 2 million for the re-construction. The Lhakhang reconstruction is estimated to cost Nu. 13.1 million.
The Lhakhang will be extended and a Drasha will also be constructed.
Kenchodum Lhakhang houses a shedra, which is a branch of the Tamshing Shedra. The Shedra has a Khenpo, a Lopen and 50 monks.
The Lhakhang, located about five kilometres away from the Chamkhar town, is one of the sacred Lhakhangs in Bumthang.