TAMCHOG LHAKHANG
Paro, Western
BUILT : 1433
Tamchog Lhakhang is a 600-year-old temple built by Dupthob Thongthong Gyelpo in 1420. He had a vision of a spiritual horse that inspired him to build the temple and a famous iron bridge (built in 1433) that crosses the Paro Chhu river. The temple, also known as Tachog Lhakhang, means “temple of the hill of the excellent horse” and is currently managed by the descendants of Thangtong Gyalpo.
During the warfare that accompanied the formation of modern Bhutan in the 17th century, the temple was burned by the governor of Thimphu, Au Tshering. The fourth secular ruler of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye (1638-96), ordered the governor to rebuild the temple as a form of karmic compensation for his previous wrongdoings. The central tower of the monastery, called utse, was likely constructed during this time, while the surrounding buildings may be more recent.
After the temple was restored, there was no attempt to force the monks from the Chagzampa sect to convert to the dominant Drukpa school. This indicates a policy of religious tolerance by the ruler, which was generally followed by subsequent leaders.
- Dzongkhag : Paro
- Region : Western
- Built : 1433
