Sobrang Monastery

Sumtrhang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Ura Gewog, Bhutan. It is one of the most important Bhutanese monasteries as descendants from its lineage include Pema Lingpa and hence the Wangchuck Royal family.[1]

Sumtrhang Monastery
Sumtrhang Monastery
Religion
AffiliationTibetan Buddhism
FestivalsKangsoel
LeadershipChoeje Wangdrag Jamtsho
Location
LocationBhutan
CountryBhutan
Location within Bhutan
Geographic coordinates27°29′32.25″N 90°55′7.32″E
Architecture
FounderGyelwa Lhanangpa (1164-1224) or Nyoetoen Trushig Choeje (1179-1265)
Date establishedc.1230

It was founded c.1230 either by Gyelwa Lhanangpa (1164-1224) or Nyoetoen Thrulzhig Choeje (1179-1265); traditions and texts differ.[1]

It was restored in the early 20th century and again in 2000.[1]

Lineage holder

The lineage holder is called the Sumtrhang Choeje.[1]

Festivals

The Sumtrhang Choeje's family perform the Kangsoel ritual each year in the 9th or 10 Bhutanese month. This involves religious dances and provides a purification and blessing for the family and the community.[1][2][3]

Relics

These include:[1]

  • Three stone pillars, two in the courtyard and one inside the building. They are solid megaliths lacking inscriptions and dating to prehistoric times.
  • Several thick bamboos resembling vajra, believed to have been given by Gyelwa Lhanangpa to his son after opening sacred sites at Tsari Mountain.
  • A small drum called "the roar of the thunder"; the sound of which gave the monastery its name.
  • A statue of the founder, Nyoetoen Thrulzhig Choeje.

References

  1. Bhutan Cultural Atlas. "Sombrang Lhakhang". UNESCO. Retrieved 24 February 2015.
  2. "Visit Bhutan 2015 – Sumthrang Kangsoel". Visit Bhutan 2015.
  3. "Sumthrang revives its mask dances". KuenselOnline.
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