| Name: | Tshamdrak Goenpa |
|---|---|
| Identity: | Lhakhang |
| Level: | Registered Heritage Building |
| Category: | Heritage Building |
| Founder: | Drubthob Uthoe Sangay |
| Constructed(Year|Century): | 1600 | 17 |
| No. of Floor | 3floor |
| Main Wall | stone masonry and rammed earth |
| Location: | Chapchha, Chukha |
| Current Use: | Lobdra |
| Ownership: | Government |
| Coodinates: |
Tshamdrak (Tsham mean meditation, Drak means cliff) Goenpa which is literally means place for contemplation/meditation. Located along the range of Dagala and far from any settlements, the cave at the base of the cliff which represents the pile of scriptures is still exist and used for meditation. Just below the cave the descendant of founders have built bigger temple and hosted many Buddhist scholar for training and meditations. The first Padtseling truelku had his earlier education from founder Je Ngawang Druba and also got his novice ordination from Gyalwa Shaha 9th Je Khenpo of Bhutan during his visit to Tshamdrak Goenpa. 13th Je Khenpo of Bhutan Je Yonten Thaye was son of Je Ngawang Druba and their lineage is known as Tshamdrak Metem Choje. Je Yonten Thaye constructed new structure attached to Utse in the south and has also reconstructed the Tashi Chhodzong and Punakha Dzong which are both destroyed by the fire. He also established the Dodeydrak Monastery in Thimphu. On other hand, Dobdrek Lhakhang at Dogar gewog under Paro Dzongkhag has main nangten the statue of Milarepa gifted to Je Ngawang Druba by Tibetan lamas for hosting Tokha during rebuilding of monasteries affected by earthquake. The communities in the Dogar gewog has high ragards to Tshamdrak Truelku who is reincarnation of Je Ngawang Druba. The age-old tradition of performing annuals rituals in the community by Tshamdrak Truelku and people helping the monastery for any works is still alive and practiced. Besides site being very important place for religious organisation, Tshamdrak Goenpa has reputation for its excellence in arts of drumming and they have produced 100 drums from single tree. The drums are still used in the Goenpa and few others were donated to number of important lhakhangs and Dzongs. It also houses lots of old holy relics specially fabric of Guru Rimpoche and treasure scriptures. The old debri in Utse is directly painted on the wall and is in good condition.