Item: Architecture

Tachogang Lhakhang; location: Paro district. Tachogang Lhakhang was founded by Thangtong Gyalpo (thang stong rgyal po, 1361-1485) after he experienced a vision of Guru Rinpoche, Oepadme (Amitabha) and Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) near the site. The caretakers today are said to be descendants of Thangtong Gyalpo. Inside the temple one can see the master's relics, including his walking stick. For more information on Thangtong Gyalpo, see Manfred Gerner, "Chakzampa Thangtong Gyalpo: Architect, Philosopher and Iron Chain Bridge Builder" (Trans. Gregor Verhufen) in Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2007. See also Cyrus Stearns, King of the Empty Plain: The Tibetan Iron-Bridge Builder Tangtong Gyalpo, 2007.

Ariana Maki 3-2012