Yongla Goenpa

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.  

Note: Pema Gatshel, your road is ………, please elect Lyonpos and I see a need for royalty alterations from the Gypsum Companies. The Truckers are insanely driving fast, roads are bumpy and dusty. The air was not clean. No visitors will enjoy unless some changes are visible.