Radhi Serpong Lhakhang is located above Radhi village in Shingkhar Gewog, under Zhemgang District. It stands on the hill-top above the village overlooking beautiful other Kheng valleys and gorgeous Chamkharchu River. It is approximately 125 km away from district head quarter and takes about 4 hours by car. The only Lhakhang of the village serves as holy place for villagers to perform annual Tshechu (Radhi Chotpa) and other religious ceremonies. It is one of the oldest Lhakhangs in the country. Present Radhi Lama Dechen Dorji (75 years old) states that no history could have been recorded the exact date of construction of the Lhakhang as the Lhakhang was built since the immemorial time. He mentions that none of his great grand-parents could narrate the history of Radhi Lhakhang. Therefore, it is possible that the Lhakhang came into existence since the visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Although, Lhakhang existed for centuries, none of the scholars and government officers bothered to conduct proper historical study about Lhakhang owing to its remote location. In this regard, the significance of Radhi Lhakhang has remain unknown to the rest of the Bhutanese. The sacred nangten (inner treasure) of the Lhakhang is Sergi Phub (golden Vajra) which was preserved since the inception of Lhakhang in the village. Another significant nagnten include statue of Avalokitesvara with One Thousand Hands and Eyes (Chagtongchentong) Chenrigzey (Buddha of compassion) which is said to be donated by First Druk Gyalpo, Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuk (1862–1926). The present Chabje Namkhai Nyingpo had also donated huge statue of Guru Rinpoche in early 2000 which is also considered as sacred monuments of the Lhakhang. The annual Radhi Chotpa is conducted in the courtyard of the Lhakhang for three consecutive days which falls in 10th month (15th to 18th day) of the Bhutanese calendar. Another informant, Mr Rinzin (elder man of the village) pointed out that Lhakhang could have been renovated for uncountable times since for centuries, however, it was renovated for only two times during his life-time. The two times renovation was carried out by the villagers without any support from the government or any other agencies. The Lhakhang was blessed by Chabje Namkhai Nyingpo for several times and Rinpoche even spent a night mediating during every visit. Later, sometime in early 2000, government has sponsored to carry out the inner paintings (Deprey) of the Lhakhang. At present, Radhi Lhakhang is in urgent need of major renovation due to several earthquake that has occurred in Bhutan over the years. In addition, the Lhakhang is too small and it causes lots of inconveniences for the villagers while performing annual Chotpa and other religious ceremonies. Therefore, villages had proposed for major maintenance budget and we are overwhelmed to receive a sum of nu. 1 million for the financial year 2021-2022. However, the amount is too less for us to carry out the renovation project. In this regard, we are humbly seeking any amount of donation from our generous supporters and well-wishers. Any amount of your donation to our project means a lot to us.
Informants:
1. Lama Dechen Dorji (present Radhi Lama)
2. Mr. Rinzin, (Elder man of the village
3. Mr. Tshering Wangdi (Radhi Tshogpa)
Researcher: Norbu Wangdi
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