Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck inaugurated the upgraded Eutok Samdrup Chholing Goen-Zyin Dratshang yesterday.
The Goenba was upgraded to a Goen-Zyin Dratshang earlier this year upon the command of His Holiness the Je Khenpo. With its up gradation, the Dratshang will now offer university level courses in Buddhism.
Located about four kilometres above Shaba Primary School, Eutok Goenba was built by Tertoen Rinzin Jatshen Nyingpo in the 12th century. The Eutok Goenba was badly damaged by earthquake in 2011. Its renovation was initiated by Eutok Goenba Lam Tshewang Penjor in 2013.
Her Majesty initially provided Nu 2.5M towards its renovation. Though the Dratshang and the Paro Dzongkha also contributed to the restoration funds, the goenba had to take a loan of about Nu 5M. Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother also paid off the loan on behalf of the goenba.
For Her Majesty’s support, the Dratshang Lhentshog, the Paro Dzongkhag, and the Lams and Lopens of Eutok Goenba offered Zhabten to Her Majesty.
Their Royal Highnesses Ashi Sonam Choden Wangchuck, Ashi Pema Lhaden Wangchuck and Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck, the Paro Dratshang and the Dratshang Lhentshog offered Ku Sung Thu Gi Mendrel to Her Majesty.
The Tsugla Lopen Samten Dorji offered Tashi Zey Gay to Her Majesty for her long life.
Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother also provides Nu 55,000 every month to provide meals for the monks.
At the inauguration yesterday, a Guru Thongdroel was displayed to the public.
Currently, there are five teachers including the principal and 75 monks studying at Goen-Zyin Dratshang.
