Temple

The (lhakhang) temple, is believed to have been built more than a hundred years ago. It was traditionally owned and cared for by a local family, and villagers came to know it as Gonsarbu. Inside the temple stands the main sacred image — a beautiful statue of Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, surrounded by ancient mural paintings that still adorn the walls, bearing witness to its rich spiritual past.

Over time, however, the temple fell into neglect. Many statues became damaged, and some were sadly lost or stolen. Located in the village of Shelngana, about eight kilometres from Punakha Dzong, the lhakhang was once an important place of devotion for the local community. In earlier days, villagers would gather there to perform Nyungné fasting practices, offer serkim, and engage in other acts of prayer and merit.

Today, the restoration of this historic temple carries deep cultural and spiritual significance, offering the possibility for it to once again become a living centre of faith and practice for future generations.

Today, Dor Drak Gyalsay Rinpoche holds a heartfelt vision to restore and renew this sacred place. His aspiration is not only to carefully renovate the historic temple, but also to thoughtfully expand it into a living centre for the Northern Treasures (Jangter) lineage, allowing the teachings and practices to flourish once again. Through this effort, he hopes to honour the spiritual legacy of his lineage and ensure that the lineage continues to benefit future generations.

At the same time, this project carries a compassionate social purpose. By creating opportunities for local villagers to take part in the restoration and ongoing activities, the vision seeks to support livelihoods, strengthen community bonds, and revive a shared sense of cultural pride. In this way, the renewed lhakhang can become both a sanctuary of prayer and a source of hope — a place where ancient wisdom, community well-being, and the aspirations of the present come together in harmony.

Contact us: Gyalsaytnt@gmail.com

Whatsapp number: +91 7876-5695-74

Location: Punakha, Shelngana, Bhutan
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