Könchogsum Lhakhang

Könchogsum Lhakhang, also known as Tsilung, is a Buddhist monastery in central Bhutan.

Könchogsum Lhakhang
Courtyard of Konchogsum Lhakhang
Religion
AffiliationTibetan Buddhism
Location
LocationBumthang
CountryBhutan
Könchogsum Lhakhang is located in Bhutan
Könchogsum Lhakhang
Location within Bhutan
Geographic coordinates27°35′07″N 90°44′21″E
Architecture
Date established8th century

History

According to Pema Lingpa, the temple was founded as far back as the 8th century. In 1039, Bonpo Dragtshel, a tertön, discovered texts which had been buried by Padmasambhava in this location.[1] According to a legend, the king of the water deities was said to have risen out of the lake beneath the temple and offered Dragtshel a stone pillar and scroll.[1] This concept of a lake beneath the monastery is also reiterated in another legend in which Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered the subterranean lake. The entrance was concealed with a stone and stands until today, in the courtyard of the monastery.[2]

In February 2010, Könchogsum Lhakhang was severely damaged by fire[3] and has since been rebuilt.[4] The new temple and monastery was consecrated in November 2014.

Architecture

The temple contains a statue of Vairocana in its main sanctuary and statues of Padmasambhava, Avalokiteśvara, and paintings of Pema Lingpa and Longchenpa.[2]

References
  1. Pommaret (2006), p. 228.
  2. Pommaret (2006), p. 229.
  3. "Bumthang - Kenchosum lhakhang". RA Online. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  4. "Kenchosum Monastery – Rigzin Pema Lingpa Foundations".

Works cited
  • Pommaret, Francoise (2006). Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom (5th ed.). Odyssey Books and Guides.


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