| Name: | Pema Sambhava Lhakhang |
|---|---|
| Identity: | Lhakhang |
| Level: | Registered Heritage Building |
| Category: | Heritage Building |
| Founder: | Choekhor Debpa Kunthub |
| Constructed(Year|Century): | 0 | 16 |
| No. of Floor | 2floor |
| Main Wall | Stone wall |
| Location: | Chhoekhor, Bumthang |
| Current Use: | Original |
| Ownership: | Gomdey |
| Coodinates: | 27:35:42.396⁰N; 90:44:1.65⁰E |
Initially, the lhakhang was was founded by Pema Lingpa in 1490 and its name at that time was Dekyiling. Later, in the 16th century the lhakhang was built by Chhoekhor Debpa Kunthub around the cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. The name of the lhakhang is associated with Guru Rinpoche who meditated in the form of manifested Pema Sambhava. Thus, the name of the lhakhang is called as Pema Sambhava lhakhang. The structure was later renovated and extended by the first king Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk in the 20th century. The lhakhang was again renovated in 1950s by Mayum Ashi Pema Dechen Wangchuck. Inside the main lhakhang, there is a conch shell that is said to be flown in the 17th century as prophesied by Guru Rinpoche. According to the caretaker (2021), the statue has the power to reduce heavy and continuous snowfall, hailstone, and windstorms. There are rocks painted near the site such as the right thumb imprint of Guru Rinpoche, footprints of khandrom, and the holy water. The oral history says that the holy water at Pema Sambhava is the female and the one at Kurje is male holy water of Guru Rinpoche which is believed to cure all kinds of diseases.
