In the 16th
century, Yap Tenpai Nyima, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s father while on his journey
to Bhutan through Rukuji, Chendebji and Tangsibi (Trongsa), had a vision of
Neten Chudru (Sixteen Arhats) who directed him to go further to south of Trongsa and build
a monastery. It further instructed to build the monastery possibly in a day that will become sacred and will immensely benefits all sentient beings.
As directed
he travelled to Trongsa and continued his journey towards Kunga Rabten (South
of Mangdechu). On reaching the site where the Lhakhang stands today, he mobilized local people and begun the construction early in the morning with an aim to complete in a day. However the work was still halfway and it was already evening and sun begin to set. This worried him which compelled Yap Tenpai Nyima to use his
religious power.
To the sheer
disbelief of the locals, Yap Tenpai Nyima, anchored the sun on the rock and
continued building monastery. He completed the monastery by midnight and
than set the sun free. The rock with a natural hole where Yap Tenpai Nyima used steel
chain to anchored sun is still seen beside the monastery. Unfortunately, the sacred steel chain that was seen
earlier by many people was not there now. The Lam informed us that it was taken to
Nepal long ago. Why it was taken there? And for what purpose? was not known.
As per the caretaker Lam, one old woman was believed to have spread all her paddy outside
to dry in the sun. Yap Tenpai Nyima on completion of the monastery approached
her and told to pack paddy and remove as he was going to release the sun. She blatantly refused saying sun was still up
there and wondered what a foolish lam he was to tell such to her. Yap Tenpai Nyima released the sun and the area experienced total darkness. The old lady had tough time later to collect her paddy in the darkness but paid great reverence to Yap Tenpai Nyima. This incident spread far and wide and people has shown great respect to Yap Rinpoche.
There is
also another similar rock with a hole and is said to be the rock Yap Tenpai Nyima knotted
his horse.
The main
relics in the monastery are the small self spoken Dolma (Tara) statue and a hanging bell.
The lam said that this Tara statue was once taken to Samtencholing Lhakhang in
Trongsa. One day the caretaker of that monastery heard the Dolma statue murmuring
and demanded to take her back to where it belonged. The caretaker was further dumbfounded
when the bell also began to ring on its own all day and night. Taking this signs as an auspiciousness, the Dolma statue was brought back and reinstated at the monastery. It is still
preserved as the main relics on the first floor.
On the ground
floor the main statues include a statue of the founder Tenpai Nyima, Buddha,
Tshangpa Gyraey, Guru Rinpoche, Jampa (future Buddha), Chenriz and Chana Dorji.
Pelden Lhamo goenkha is also housed nearby. All inner walls are seen with
beautiful paintings.
On the First
floor, the main relic is the Dolma Tara. The walls are painted with beautiful
deities images.
The
monastery has been renovated recently. All dismantled old timbers are stacked
in one place.
The sacred
monastery is located at Drateng geog in Trongsa, 27 km from Tronga Zhemgang
highway. From the road once has to walk around 10 minutes down the steep slope.
Really
enjoyed the visit. Please visit to get blessing from great Zhabdrung's Yap Tenpai Nyima.
