Located in the serene Khotokha Valley of Bjena Gewog in Wangdue, the 17th-century Dolung Sherub Yoedsel Chhoeling Goenpa—more commonly known as Dolung Monastery—stands as a testament to Bhutan’s enduring spiritual heritage. Founded by the second Je Khenpo, Sonam Wozer, this sacred site has captivated devotees and visitors alike with its rich collection of religious relics and centuries-old legends.
The monastery’s origins are steeped in reverence. Sonam Wozer, a figure celebrated not only for establishing the monastery but also for his role as its first abbot, is credited with uncovering one of its most venerated relics—a stone with a handle known as the Dolung. Local lore holds that the stone, bearing a mysterious footprint believed to be that of His Holiness, exudes powerful spiritual energy. “The relic’s enduring significance is at the heart of our faith here,” explained Chimi Dorji, a 33-year-old monk stationed at Dolung Monastery.
Another extraordinary treasure housed within the monastery is the Dolung Raksha, or Ox Head Mask. Discovered in the 18th century by Sewla Jamgon Ngawang Gyeltsen—a scion of an illustrious religious lineage—the mask plays a pivotal role in Bhutan’s annual Dolung Mani festival and the Wangdue Tshechu. Legend tells of the Raksha Mangchham, a sacred dance performed in the monastery’s courtyard to distract a troublesome mermaid that threatened the construction of the Wangdue bridge. Captivated by the mesmerizing performance, the mermaid abandoned her mischief, allowing workers to complete and consecrate the bridge—a story that continues to enchant festival-goers today.
While the original Dolung Raksha mask is preserved in a glass case to honor its sanctity, a carefully crafted replica, created by Je Khenpo Sonam Wozer, is used during the festival. Unique among Bhutan’s mask dances, the Raksha Mangchham is exclusively performed by Dolung Monastery’s lead mask dancer on the second day of the Wangdue Tshechu, a festival first established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638.
Beyond its famed relics, Dolung Monastery is a repository of Bhutanese spiritual art and culture. Its hallowed halls display statues representing the past, present, and future Buddhas, along with a collection of eight distinctive stupas known as the Deshed Choeten Gyed and the awe-inspiring Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Buddha of Compassion. Adding to the site’s spiritual landscape are two nearby Drubchhus—sacred springs revealed by Je Khenpo Sonam Wozer—which continue to be revered by locals and pilgrims alike.
Despite its profound historical and religious significance, Dolung Monastery remains a relatively uncharted treasure outside the Khotokha Valley. “The monastery houses invaluable relics and a profound spiritual history,” said Chimi Dorji. “Anyone exploring Khotokha should not miss this sacred site.”
Visitors are welcome to experience the monastery’s tranquil ambience and rich heritage; however, photography within its sacred precincts is strictly prohibited to preserve the sanctity of its relics. As Bhutan continues to balance modernity with tradition, Dolung Monastery stands as a living chronicle of the nation’s spiritual journey—a beacon for those seeking to connect with a past filled with miracles, legends, and unwavering devotion.
