Incepted
as Nyingma Monastery then, the present opulence through Royal Government of
Bhutan’s support, Yongla Goenpa stood through times and today outshines the odd
history. Reconstruction started in 2012 over 5 years and today’s prominence
goes to local Artisans; to name few, painter Lopen Pema Wangdi from Zhemgang
and Sculptor Lopen Sangay from Paro.
Officially
named Riwo Pelbar Dargeychhoeling Gonpa and widely known as Yongla Gonpa was
founded by Khedrup Jigme Kundel on the instructions passed onto him by his
Master Rigzin Jigme Lingpa. It is
believed that Yongla Lam Dorji Jamtsho first built the Goenpa in 1736 after a
year Khedrup Jigme Kundel passed away.
The
ground floor houses the local deity Dhoenyen Zangpo and Kaley Yongba far inside
alter. The shrine named as Droley Lhakhang as it holds within thousands of
miniature Dorji Drolo statues with other larger Harsum Maagdhu, Dorji Drolo and
Phurbha Lhatshog. The top floor holds Zhabdrung, Guru Rinpoche and Chenrigzee
in order.
How
to get there?
15Km
from Pema Gatshel town towards Samdrup Jongkhar-Trashigang National Highway, Yongla
Goenpa bloom post the mountain ridge overlooking valleys of Dungsam. It is half
an hour drive to the monastery from Tselingore Junction.
How it got name Yongla?
The
oral tradition has it that Khedrup Jigme Kundel from Darlung Kha in Wang,
Thimphu (let me know if anyone knows of the place in Thimphu) was instructed by his master Rigzin Jigme
Lingpa to look for place resembling that of Tsari in Tibet where he was to teach
Buddha Dharma. Khedrup Jigme Kundel accompanied by Khandro Dechen Gyalmo travelled
from Tibet through Bumthang looking for the place. While they reached the
present site, Khedrup Kundel asked Khandro if this is the right place they walk
through valleys and mountains. Khandro responded “Yong Yong” (meaning Yes Yes).
Thus the name Yongla as it prospers today.
Who
were here?
One
of Local deities Kaley Yongba, I couldn’t ascertain whether he is (Kaley-Black,
Yongba-Stupid or Kaley Yongba -Stupidly Strong). People from Pema Gatshel,
please accept my apology and would welcome your comments; good or bad.
I
learnt late Lam Sonam Zangpo was here in 1960s and assuming his contributions
must be immeasurable. Dujom Rinpoche visited the site in 1970s and the present
name of the Dzongkhag Pema Gatshel (meaning: The Blissful Land of the Lotus) was
given. What name it would have had known with before?
What
happens there?
The
Famous annual Phurbai Drupchen then started during Descending Day of Lord
Buddha, with the support from the people’s harvest. However, now it is
scheduled during the month of September, more grandeur with support from the State.
Pema Gatshel monastic body moves here during the summer while its unfathomable
cold on the top in winter keeps them at the Dzongkhag.
Observations:
The
architectural design, structural facilities (Car parking, hostels and washrooms),
location, public ground, road from the highway, statues and the mural paintings
are awe-inspiring. The scenes from the
top are magnificent during bright day light.
On
the contrary as a usual custom in the religious sites (not all but mostly) in the
country, I noticed two caretaker/Koenyer are not well acquainted to the
Lhakhang. Three of us were only visitors that moment; I thought I would return a
happy man. They didn’t have explanations at all except they told us name of the
statues when we requested to say something about it as it was our first. It wasn’t even about language barrier, they were
fluent on Dzongkha.
It
would be good for the temple and the Culture Preservation if we would have well
learned caretaker/koenyer in all the religious temples/monasteries/institutions
dedicated to the disseminating proper information to the visitors.
