Könchogsum Lhakhang
Könchogsum Lhakhang, also known as Tsilung, is a Buddhist monastery in central Bhutan.
| Könchogsum Lhakhang | |
|---|---|
 Courtyard of Konchogsum Lhakhang | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Tibetan Buddhism |
| Location | |
| Location | Bumthang |
| Country | Bhutan |
  Location within Bhutan | |
| Geographic coordinates | 27°35′07″N 90°44′21″E |
| Architecture | |
| Date established | 8th century |
History
According to Saint 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]
Further reading
- Konchogsum Lhakhang - Bhutan Cultural Atlas
- Kenchosum Monastery - Pema Lingpa Foundation
Notes
- Pommaret (2006). p.228
- Pommaret (2006). p.229
- "Bumthang - Kenchosum lhakhang". RA Online. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
Bibliography
- Pommaret, Francoise (2006). Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom (5th edition). Odyssey Books and Guides.