Location

The Lhakhang is located in Kabesa Geog (County) in Punakha. There is a feeder road stretching approximately eight kilometers from the main road leading to the monastery.

History

In the 15th century corresponding to the 8th Rabjung (name of a cycle of 60 years starting with rabbit year) while the famous yogi Lam Drukpa Kuenley was on his way to Bhutan from Tibet, he passed by a village in Punakha known as Jiligang. On reaching the village he tossed away the partially burnt wood that he was carrying with him. The burnt wood landed in the present site where the temple stands. The wood grew into a vigorous leafy tree and deeming it is an auspicious omen it was later decided to build a temple near the tree. Later, in the 18th century corresponding to the 13th Rabjung, Chogtrul Jigme Singye (1742-89), the fourth reincarnation of Lama Thripa (Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay), visited the place and built the present temple.

The main relics in the monastery includes the statue of Dorje Chang (Vajradhara Buddha), Kuntu Zangpo (Samantabhadra), Tenpa Nyima, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, Zhabdrung, Jitsuen Milarepa and Drukpa Kuenlay.