Pema Gatshel

Yongla Monastery is a Nyingma Buddhist monastery situated in Pema Gatshel, Bhutan, perched atop a mountain at Yongla. It is visible to travelers along the national highway connecting Samdrup Jongkhar and Pema Gatshel.

Legend and Origins

Although the monastery is formally credited to Yongla Lam Dorji in 1736, its origins trace back to the 18th century when Kheydrup Jigme Kundel established it. Acting on instructions from Jigme Lingpa, Kheydrup Jigme Kundel sought a location resembling Tsari in Tibet, which is shaped like a ritual dagger (Phurpa), to propagate Jigme Lingpa’s teachings. Accompanied by Khandro Dechen Gyalmo, he journeyed from Tibet through Bumthang until reaching the current Yongla site. When he inquired whether this was the prophesied location, the Khandro affirmed by saying “Yong Yong” (“Yes, Yes”), giving the site its name. Kheydrup Jigme Kundel meditated here, spread his teachings, and established a meditation center.

Over time, the growing popularity of his teachings led to the construction of a nunnery at the site. The main Lhakhang visible today was built around the 1980s, and a total of 16 successive Lams have served as abbot of Yongla Monastery.

Renovation

On 21 September 2009, the monastery suffered extensive damage from a 6.1-magnitude earthquake. Following the disaster, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited the site, and reconstruction began in 2012. The monastery was fully restored to its former glory by 2019.

Yongla Phurpai Drubchen

The Phurpai Drubchen festival was originally initiated by Kheydrup Jigme Kundel in the 18th century. Although it lapsed over time, it was revived in the 1960s by Lam Sonam Zangpo. Today, the festival is organized annually by the Pema Gatshel Rabdey in September and lasts for ten days. On the concluding day, devotees receive blessings from the sacred Phurpa relic, making it a significant spiritual event in the region.

Pema Gatshel Dzong, also known as Druk Migyur Dechen Dzong (Fortress of Unwavering Bliss), serves as the new administrative center of Pema Gatshel District in eastern Bhutan. It is situated in Denchi, within Shumar Gewog.

The Dzong was named by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Chhoeda, and was constructed under the supervision of the Heritage Sites and Archaeology Division, in coordination with the Dzongkhag administration.

The Dzong occupies a 6.5-acre site in Denchi, about 19 km from the old Pema Gatshel town. The land was acquired from local residents, and its location was strategically selected as part of the town’s overall layout.

Background

The construction project began during Bhutan’s 10th Five-Year Plan (FYP) and continued through the 11th and 12th FYPs. Physical construction started in July 2012, with financial assistance of Nu 610 million from the Government of India. Originally planned for completion in 2018, the project faced delays due to design modifications to the central tower and later the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately finishing in 2023. The Dzong was consecrated by His Eminence Tsugla Lopen Karma Rangdrol on 22 September 2023, with notable attendees including HRH Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Lotay Tshering. Dzongkhag offices were officially moved to the new Dzong on 16 March 2023.

Architecture

Pema Gatshel Dzong combines modern construction techniques and materials with traditional Bhutanese architectural styles. Contemporary elements include steel, concrete, sustainable design, and modern safety features, while traditional aspects feature tapering walls, multi-tiered floating roofs, and a courtyard layout. The main entrance includes a two-storied building with ramps to accommodate people with disabilities.

Central Tower (Utse): The five-story Utse is the tallest structure, housing Lhakhangs on each floor for religious activities. Constructed starting in 2016, it was completed by December 2020.

Administrative Block: A four-story building to the south accommodates the Dzongdag’s office and other administrative offices.

Monastic Block (Rabdhey): Located to the north, this four-story building houses the monastic residents and associated offices.

Gallery and Courtyard (Dochey): Centrally located, the courtyard is paved with flat stones and fully enclosed by the Dzong structures.

Festival

The Pema Gatshel Tshechu, first instituted in 1984, is a three-day festival featuring mask dances and folk performances. In October 2023, the Tshechu was held for the first time in the courtyard of the newly completed Dzong, concluding with the ceremonial unfurling of the Neten Chu Druk Thongdrel.