October 10: The renovated Gangtey Sanga-Chhoeling Lhakhang in Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang has been consecrated. His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo graced the Tashi Rabney ceremony at Gangtey Lhakhang earlier today.

The Tashi Rabney or the consecration ceremony of the Gangtey Sanga-Chhoeling Lhakhang in Phobjikha began with a procession led His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo.

His Majesty was joined by the their Majesties the queens Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, Ashi Sangay Choden Wanghuck and members of the royal family.

The Prime Minister, Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley, cabinet ministers, members of parliament, former ministers and officials also attended the ceremony.

His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo was also joined by thousands of devotees from the area.

The First Guru Samba Lhendrup Thongdroel in the Kingdom was also consecrated and unfurled for public veneration.

The Thongdroel was built at a cost of over Nu. 2 million.

The ceremony was performed by over 900 monks from different shedras under the tutelage of Gangtey Truelku Rinpoche. It was led by Sungtruel Rinpoche Jigdrel Kunzang Pema Dorji, Datong Truelku Kuenchen Pema Sherab and Hefu Truelku Ngawang Shedrup Choki Nima.

The Tashi Rabney was preceded by a 10 day Drubchen which culminated into Ngedrup Langwa yesterday.

Renovation works on the historic Gangtey Goenba Lhakhang was carried out over the past eight years.

A spokesperson told BBS that the architecture and design has been maintained in its original state. Technical assistance was provided by the government as commanded by His Majesty 4th Druk Gyalpo.

Much of wooden materials deteriorated over the years have been replaced. A Mithub or fire proof room was also built on the ground floor to store the sacred Nangtens.

Works were carried out by the present, the 9th Gangtey Truelku, Kunzang Rixin Pema Namgyal.

The Gangtey Goenba Lhakhang was built by the 1st Gangtey Truelku, Gyalsey Pema Thinley. He was the grandson and reincarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa.

The Lhakhang is the most important seat of the Peling tradition in western Bhutan.