The Taktse Sanga Choling Lhakhang, a revered 400-year-old temple in Taktse village, Trongsa, is in critical condition and requires immediate restoration to preserve its historical and spiritual legacy. Built in 1680 by Ney Lungpa Sherab Lhendup, the second Trongsa Penlop, in honor of 1st Desi Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the lhakhang holds deep cultural significance for locals. However, years of rain leakage and structural decay have severely damaged its interior walls, roof, and sacred relics, including the revered Jowo Shakya Muni statue (Yeshey Dorji, ex-Lama of Taktse Sanga Choling).

Despite minor repairs by the gewog administration, the lhakhang’s condition worsens. Ugyen, the Tshogpa of Taktse, shared that villagers must repeatedly empty rainwater containers due to leaks. “The gewog helped fix the roof, but without full-scale restoration, the lhakhang may collapse,” he warned. Zepa Tharchen Dorji, a young resident, expressed sadness upon seeing the decay after returning from college, stressing that future generations may lose this heritage if no action is taken.

For centuries, the lhakhang has been the heart of local rituals and community gatherings. Nim Dem, a 54-year-old villager, fears that natural disasters like earthquakes could destroy it entirely. “If nothing is done, our children may only hear stories of this sacred place,” she lamented. Tashi Dorji, another resident, confirmed that while temporary fixes were made, comprehensive funding is needed for lasting preservation.

The Taktse community is rallying for urgent intervention from authorities and heritage conservation bodies. They emphasize that the lhakhang is not just a place of worship but a living testament to Bhutan’s spiritual history. Without swift restoration, this 400-year-old treasure risks being lost forever.

(Originally sourced from Bhutan Today, adapted with additional context for clarity.)