Monks of the Ugyen Choeling Goenzin Dratshang and residents of Pungtenchhu Gewog are set to receive a long-awaited new temple, following concerns over the safety and capacity of their existing place of worship.
A groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday marked the official start of construction for the new lhakhang, which will be built on the same site as the former structure. If work progresses as scheduled, the temple is expected to be completed within the next two to three years.
The earlier temple, in use since 2014, developed severe structural cracks and was deemed unsafe. It was also too small to meet the growing needs of the monastic community and the public. Over the years, enrolment at the dratshang increased steadily, leaving the old building unable to comfortably accommodate more than about ten monks, with little room remaining for devotees during religious gatherings.
To address these challenges, a two-storey lhakhang has been planned. The main shrine will be located on the upper floor, while the ground level will house offices, guest rooms, a dining hall, toilet facilities and other supporting spaces. A construction committee headed by the Tsirang Lam Neten, along with representatives from the dratshang and Tsirang Rabdhey, will oversee the project.
The new lhakhang will be constructed by the Central Monastic Body at an estimated cost of Nu 37 million. An initial allocation of Nu 7 million has already been approved for the first phase. Funding for the project is being provided by the Dratshang Lhentshog, with additional support pledged by the local gewog administration.
Residents say the new temple is vital for the community, which relies heavily on monks for religious rituals and ceremonies. Many households lack ritual items, making the presence of a functional and well-equipped lhakhang essential for both daily worship and rites for the living and the deceased.
Community members expressed relief and happiness that construction has finally begun, noting that the previous structure was poorly built and left them without a proper place of worship for some time.
Currently, the Ugyen Choeling Goenzin Dratshang is home to more than 30 monks, guided by a principal, a lam and two teachers. Once completed, the new lhakhang is expected to serve not only the dratshang but also hundreds of residents from Pungtenchhu Gewog and neighbouring areas, strengthening both spiritual life and community ties in Tsirang.
