29/12/2016
Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa is believed to be established over 400 years ago. Its antiquity is shrouded in mystery and situation is aggravated as the written documents related to Goenpa were taken by the public and private persons. It has many theories of origin as under:
First theory says the Lhakhang was established by the youngest son of Lhatshi Tsangma who came to Bhutan in 836 AD. Hence, it has its name KHAR.
Second theory says Khedrup Kinga Wangpo’s (son of Terton Pema Lingpa) grandson Norbu was appointed as Lama of Dungkhar Goenpa; and
Third theory is that Norbu was accompanied by his sister, Ani Choney Wangmo who later had relationship with the Great Yab Tempa Nima, when he visited the Goenpa. Tenzin Drukdra was the son of Ani Choney Wangmo and the Great Yab Tempa Nima, who later became the second Desi of Bhutan (1656-1667 AD). Consequently, some believe that it was founded by the Great Yab Tempa Nima.
The Goenpa is located on a ridge measuring about 6800 feet above sea level in secluded place called Dungkhar, which is a day’s walk from the village and about an hour’s walk from recently constructed farm road.
Being located away from the settlement in a dense forest, Lhakhang became dilapidated condition on the verge of collapse. However, much to the relieve of the community members, under the wise patronage of former Chief Justice of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye and the community contributions, the Goenpa has been revived to its erstwhile glory with the construction of new drasha and institution of new shedra in 2014. His Eminence the Gangtey Trulku Rimpoche, body emanations of the 16th century King Terton (Treasure Discoverer) and Patron Siant of Bhutan, Pema Lingpa solemnized to ordain monks on 12 and 13th October 2014.
With the institution of shedra, 24 monks have started their monastic education. It has not only provided opportunity for youths and children from economically disadvantaged family to continue their education, but also provided a place for the old aged people to practice religion in the Goenpa.
Abbreviation: Lhakhang=Temple, Goenpa=Temple far away from Village or City. Terton=Treasure discoverer.Trulku=Reincarnated Lama. Lama=Boddhist saint or highly qualified Buddhist Master.
