| Name: | Chakhar lhakhang |
|---|---|
| Identity: | Lhakhang |
| Level: | Registered Heritage Building |
| Category: | Heritage Building |
| Founder: | Sindha Gyab |
| Constructed(Year|Century): | 0 | 8 |
| No. of Floor | 3floor |
| Main Wall | Stone wall |
| Location: | Chhoekhor, Bumthang |
| Current Use: | Original |
| Ownership: | Private |
| Coodinates: | 27.57380⁰N 90.73840⁰E |
According to the history, in the eighth century, Bumthang was under the rule of a king named Sendhaka (Sindu Raja) whose residence was the ‘Iron castle’, Chakhar. A temple was later founded on this spot by the saint Dorje Lingpa in the 14th century. According to Mr. Tenzin (2021), the Chakhar lhakhang (Iron Castle) is said to have been nine storied structure built with iron. The name is associated with the iron materials used for the construction of the structure for the purpose of protection from enemies. Sindhu Raja was said to be in a war with the southern neighbor king Nawchoe. Sindhu Raja lost his son Tala Mebar in the battle so, the king stopped worshipping the local deities which resulted in the deterioration of his health. As a last resort, his ministers invited Guru Rinpoche and sought help to cure the king. The vital principle of the king was restored which was taken by Shelgin Karpo, the local deity who was subdued near the old Kurje lhakhang, and currently, the neykhang for the local deity is being built dedicated to him. Guru Rinpoche bought an end to the rivalry between the kings by making them sign on a stone at Nabji Korphu which is still seen at Trongsa today. The hand imprints of both the kings and Guru signifies the commitment to end the war and a remarkable historical event in the history of Bhutan.
Currently, the head of the family who lives at Chakhar is said to be the descended from Dorje Lingpa and he bears the name of Chakhar Lama. The house dates from the beginning of the 20th century but was entirely restored in 1999 and two houses were added in the 2000s
