Yongla Goenpa

Yongla Goenpa is a significant Nyingma Buddhist monastery located in Pema Gatshel, Bhutan. Perched atop a mountain, it is a prominent landmark visible from the national highway connecting Samdrup Jongkhar and Pema Gatshel. The monastery is renowned for its legendary founding and its role in preserving Buddhist traditions.

History and Legend

The origins of Yongla Goenpa are steeped in legend, with its establishment attributed to Kheydrup Jigme Kundel in the 18th century. Kundel was purportedly instructed by the revered master Jigme Lingpa to find a sacred destination in Bhutan that mirrored the spiritual significance of Tsari in Tibet, described as resembling a ritual dagger (Phurpa). This quest was part of an effort to propagate Jigme Lingpa's teachings. Accompanied by Khandro Dechen Gyalmo, Kundel journeyed from Tibet through Bumthang until he reached the site of the present-day Yongla. Upon inquiry about the prophesied location, Khandro Dechen Gyalmo's affirmative response, 'Yong Yong,' led to the place being named Yongla. Kheydrup Jigme Kundel then meditated at this auspicious spot, disseminating his teachings and subsequently establishing a meditation center. Due to the growing popularity of Kundel's teachings, a nunnery was also constructed at the same location.

While the original meditation center and nunnery formed the early monastic complex, the Lhakhang that stands today was constructed around the 1980s. Over its history, Yongla Goenpa has been led by 16 successive Lams who have served as its abbot.

Renovation and Festivals

In 2009, Yongla Monastery suffered severe damage due to a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Bhutan. The subsequent restoration efforts were undertaken with royal patronage, notably after King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited the monastery post-earthquake. Reconstruction commenced in 2012, and the monastery was successfully restored to its former grandeur by 2019.

A significant religious event associated with Yongla Goenpa is the Yongla Phurpai Drubchen. This festival was initially initiated by Kheydrup Jigme Kuendrol in the 18th century but was later revived. In the 1960s, Lam Sonam Zangpo was instrumental in reinstating the festival. The annual Phurpai Drubchen is organized by the Pema Gatshel Rabdey and takes place in September, spanning ten days. The final day of the festival is particularly important, as devotees receive blessings from the sacred relic of Phurpa.