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KANGPAR LAMAI GOENPA
Lopen Melam Rabzang from Tangsibji in Trongsa, who was also a disciple of Togden Shakya Shri was predestined to pursue Naro Chedo. The Lamai Goenpa was founded by this Lopen Melam Rabzang in 1930.
The Lamai Goenpa is surrounded by a mountain pass called Chenla, which is also a pilgrimage site, and a steep cliff called Tshephu. There are many other pilgrimage sites of deity Ama Jomo and Drubthob Khijey in the vicinity of the Goenpa. The construction of the monastery was funded by Sey Dopola, a well known Trashigang Dzongpon. The Goenpa had about thirty disciples then which consisted of both the lay monks and nuns. They took care of the monastery by themselves.
With the death of Lama Melam Rabzang in 1945, the Goenpa had begun to suffer neglect although lamas had been appointed. However, H.E. Gyeltshen Trulku , who had also been appointed as the third lama in succession, took personal initiative upon the command of his root teacher to restore the monastery. Therefore, H.E. Gyeltshen Trulku carried out the renovation of the Goenpa in 1986. As many as 50 rooms were built. The area was fenced and guest house was also built. A hostel accommodating 40 monks was also built. A total of about 40 disciples led by a lama and other teachers today occupy the place and practice the dharma.
Although it was being built with the help of local people earlier and managed with personal fund of H.E. Gyeltshen Trulku, it is managed with support from the government today. At the moment, there is no telephone connection, road or electricity. However, it is hoped that such facilities would reach the place very soon. |
