The Ugyen Chhoeling Goenzin Dratshang in Tsirang’s Pungtenchhu Gewog is the only temple where all the religious events in the Gewog are held. However, the Lhakhang has developed several cracks on the walls, causing concerns among residents. The local residents say there is a need to renovate the structure.
The Ugyen Chhoeling Goenzin Dratshang is located over 40 kilometres from Damphu town.
The temple was initially constructed as the Pungtenchhu Gewog Lhakhang but later it was converted into a monastic school in 2014.
Today, the Dratshang’s main temple has huge cracks on the walls which appeared a few years ago. The Principal of the Dratshang and local residents said the cracks might have developed due to not using the right raw materials during the construction.
Similarly, the base of the pillars has also started rotting.
Norbu Samdrup, a resident said “Inside, the temple has adequate relics but externally, it looks risky. We are ready to help if there are plans to reconstruct a new temple.”
Tenzin Dema, another resident said “It is not safe when we circumambulate the temple because there is a risk of some of the wooden planks falling on us. Also, there isn’t adequate space for devotees as the temple is small and in need of renovation.”
Norbula, who is also a resident said “Having a temple has been convenient. This is because we can use the temple to conduct funeral rites in consultation with the Lam. The Lam of the Goenzin Dratshang has been so considerate when it comes to conducting rituals here.”
Kuenzang Wangchuk, the principal of Ugyen Chhoeling Goenzin Dratshang said “The roof of the temple is also in a dilapidated condition. We are very concerned of our safety when we are inside the temple conducting rituals since all the pillars are rotting. I have also been reminding residents to be cautious since planks are on the verge of falling apart.”
Considering the urgency, the Principal said, he is discussing it with the Central Monastic Body to prioritise the reconstruction in the current Five-Year Plan.
“There are a few projects under the Central Monastic Body in the current Five-Year Plan. So, I am requesting the Zhung Dratshang to cancel those projects and divert the budget to start the temple reconstruction works in the second year of the current Five-Year Plan. However, the works are underway to get the temple reconstruction approval from the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development that needs to be rooted through the gewog and district administrations.”
The Ugyen Chhoeling Goenzin Dratshang currently has more than 30 monks and three teachers including the Principal.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Tshering Zam
