Tamshing Lhakhang གཏམ་ཞིང་ལྷ་ཁང་། — Attraction in Pedtsheling_Tamzhing

Tamshing monastery was offered to Terton Padma/Pema Lingpa by one of his patrons when he was looking for a site to build his founding place(dhensa) in the 15th century. It is not the oldest monastery in Bumthang as Jampa Lhakhang (7th C) and Konchogsum Lhakhang (7th C) are the oldest in the valley. The main statues inside such as the main Guru Rinpoche statue with his eight manifestations on the ground floor was said to be made by Terton Pema Lingpa with the help of divine Dakinis(female celestial beings). The Terton had locked himself up, without food or water, for several days. People were concerned and opened the door to the inner sanctum to find dakinis helping the Terton. Upon being discovered, the dakinis flew up into the skies and the main Guru Rinpoche statue is said to have looked up at them flying. Therefore the unique feature of the main statue is that it looks upwards towards the sky during the morning, straight ahead during mid day and a little down cast during the evenings. All the murals are in its original state of the 15th to 16th century. One can also find the iron(rust less) chain coat/chain mail that Terton Pema Lingpa made, not for war, but for meditational practice. Pilgrims are allowed to carry this chain coat around the Barkor(middle circumambulatory area) three times to rid oneself of negative karma. The 2nd floor height is supposedly built according to the Terton's own height as he was known to be a short and stout person. Terton Pema Lingpa is one of the 5 Kingly Tertons out of the 108 Major Tertons or Trasure Discoverers prophesied by Guru Rinpoche. They are the incarnations of Guru Rinpoche and His 25 disciples who reveal Termas at later future centuries that were divienly hidden by Guru and his disciples in the 8th century for the benefit of future sentient beings. Terton Pema Lingpa is the ancestor to the current...

I visited Tamzhing Lhakhang right after a meeting with my colleagues, and the experience surpassed all my expectations. The temple's ancient aura and intricate artwork were truly awe-inspiring. One of the highlights was a unique statue of Guru Rinpoche, which held a profound spiritual presence. The surroundings, with their time-worn architecture and serene atmosphere, evoked a sense of reverence and wonder. It was a privilege to witness such cultural richness and spiritual depth firsthand.

Located in Bumthang Valley, Bhutan, Tamzhing Lhakhang is a remarkable testament to Bhutanese architecture and spiritual devotion. Built in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa, this monastery holds immense cultural and historical significance. The architecture is striking, characterized by intricately painted walls and ceilings that depict religious motifs and scenes from Buddhist scriptures. The vibrant colors and detailed artwork create a mesmerizing atmosphere, transporting visitors to a world of ancient legends and spiritual teachings.

Beyond its artistic allure, Tamzhing Lhakhang serves as a center for religious practice and learning. It houses numerous sacred relics, statues, and scriptures, offering pilgrims and visitors alike a profound spiritual experience. The monastery also hosts annual festivals, known as tshechus, vibrant celebrations featuring masked dances and rituals that attract devotees from all over Bhutan.

Visiting Tamzhing Lhakhang provides a rare opportunity to delve into Bhutan's rich cultural heritage and to witness the enduring legacy of Pema Lingpa, whose contributions continue to shape Bhutanese religious life today. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone drawn to beauty and tranquility, Tamzhing Lhakhang promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of...

Local Name: Tamshing Lhundrup Choling Date of Construction: 1501 Category: Heritage sites – Temple Geographical Location: Chhoekhor, Bumthang district

Description Tamshing is a small one-storey temple surrounded by monastic and village dwellings. From Tamshing monastery there is an excellent view of the Kurje complex on the other side of the river. A little bit north of Tamshing, a footbridge crosses the river and from there, it is only a ten-minute walk to Kurje. Today, the monastery suffers from precarious conditions of conservation. Amongst other problems, due to roof leakages, the wall paintings are now becoming detached from the mud plaster of the walls and require urgent restoration

History Tamshing, is one of the most historically, spiritually and culturally significant monasteries in Bhutan. Built in the early sixteenth century, it has maintained living Vajrayana Buddhist traditions for over five hundred years. The founder of Tamshing, Pema Lingpa (1450 – 1521), is considered a great saint and spiritual master in both the Bhutanese and Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist traditions. Moreover, Tamshing is also a great centre of Bhutanese sacred masked dance, and Pema Lingpa himself introduced many of the sacred dances that remain a vibrant part of the monastic dance repertory throughout the region. Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 (completed in 1505) by Pema Lingpa, contains paintings of fundamental interest for the history of painting in this region. It is also, along with Gangtey Gonpa in the Black Mountains and Drametse Gonpa in the East, one of the only places where Pema Lingpa’s tradition of religious teachings still continues today.

Source: Bhutan...