Changangkha Lhakhang
Thimphu
Changangkha Lhakhang is a historic temple complex perched on a ridge overlooking central Thimphu. Founded in the 13th or 14th century, it is likely the oldest surviving temple in the city and predates Bhutan's unification in the 17th century. The temple is dedicated to the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Himalayan Buddhism and houses a large bronze statue of Avalokiteśvara with eleven heads and multiple arms, believed to be either self-arisen or crafted by a master Newa artisan. The complex includes a main temple, a black Gönkhang protector temple, and residential buildings forming a quadrangle around a courtyard. The Gönkhang contains the oldest murals in Bhutan and is home to Genyen Domtsangpa, the protective deity of children born in Thimphu’s national referral hospital. Visitors can explore prayer wheel niches and relief carvings depicting Buddhas and Kagyu lamas along the circumambulation path. The temple hosts a Tshechu festival with masked dances and an annual recitation of an ancient Buddhist canon written in gold ink. Panoramic views of Thimphu from the temple terraces add to its spiritual and cultural significance.
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Consejo: Visitors should dress respectfully and maintain decorum when visiting Changangkha Lhakhang. The best time to visit is during the Tshechu festival on the twelfth to fourteenth days of the ninth Bhutanese lunar month to witness traditional masked dances. Entrance to the protector temple is restricted to Bhutanese men. It is advisable to check local schedules and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the temple's history and art. Advance planning may help in coordinating visits during festivals or special recitations.
Datos interesantes
- •The main Avalokiteśvara statue is believed by some to be 'self-arisen', a rare phenomenon in Buddhist art.
- •The protector temple houses the oldest surviving murals in Bhutan.
- •Genyen Domtsangpa, the temple's protective deity, is believed to safeguard children born in Thimphu's national referral hospital.
- •An ancient Buddhist canon manuscript written in gold ink is held at the temple and recited annually in its entirety.
Historia
Changangkha Lhakhang was founded in the 13th century by Nyima, son of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who introduced the Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist tradition to Bhutan.
The temple's main statue of Avalokiteśvara was either self-arisen or crafted by a skilled Newa artisan during its construction.
The complex has survived through centuries, predating Bhutan's unification by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century.
Over time, it became a spiritual center for local worshippers, especially parents seeking blessings for their children.
The temple's murals in the protector temple are the oldest known in Bhutan, underscoring its historical and cultural importance.
Guía del lugar
Main Temple13th century
The main temple houses the principal sacred images including the large bronze Avalokiteśvara statue and ancient scriptures. It is divided into two sections: one for relics and sacred objects, usually closed to the public, and another where lamas conduct rituals and prayers, visible to visitors.
Gönkhang (Protector Temple)13th century
Facing the main temple across the courtyard, this black temple is dedicated to Genyen Domtsangpa, protector of children. It contains images of protective deities and the oldest murals in Bhutan. Access is restricted to Bhutanese men.
Prayer Wheel Niches and Relief Carvings
Small niches with prayer wheels and slate carvings depicting Buddhas and Kagyu lamas encircle the main temple, used by devotees during circumambulation.
Terrace Stupas and Panoramic Views
Behind the temple, terraces with small stupas descend toward Thimphu, offering panoramic views of the city in three directions.