The archive of Woongchilo Lhakhang is home to a rich and historically significant collection of manuscripts, painstakingly created over the course of many centuries. This extensive repository encompasses a wide array of texts, including commentaries, biographies, hagiographies, ritual manuals, astrological texts, catalogues, contextual histories, and various personal notes, among others. Most of these manuscripts are handwritten in the uchen and umey scripts, using black ink on cream-colored, handmade Bhutanese paper. While the majority are hand-inscribed, the collection also includes some block-printed texts. The manuscripts are meticulously organized in the flexible poti format, often spanning multiple volumes in a range of sizes and layouts. Held in reverence as sacred relics, the manuscripts are carefully stored within the temple, placed on traditional bookshelves near the main shrine. Each manuscript is lovingly wrapped in layers of cloth and protected by wooden boards, securely bound with string. These protective measures reflect the deep respect and diligent care with which these invaluable spiritual treasures are maintained.
Extent: 1 collection of manuscripts containing 59 volumes.
Custodial history: Pemachöling Lhakhang, also known as Woongchilo Lhakhang, holds a central place in the spiritual life of Woongchilo village, acting as a vital hub for religious practice and community tradition. From its inception, this sacred temple has been maintained by a devoted group of lay practitioners, known as the gomde. Spiritual guidance within this community is provided by the tsholop, or community lama, who oversees the gomde’s spiritual development. A key component of this leadership is the appointment of a kon-nyer, a caretaker chosen from among the gomde members. The kon-nyer is entrusted with the important task of preserving the temple’s sacred artifacts and ensuring the continuity of its religious rituals. The archives of Woongchilo Lhakhang, which contain a wealth of historical and religious manuscripts, have been carefully maintained by a lineage of kon-nyers. These dedicated caretakers not only ensure the temple’s physical upkeep but also protect the intangible cultural heritage of Woongchilo village. Through their unwavering commitment, the spiritual essence and communal traditions of Woongchilo Lhakhang are preserved for future generations.
Arrangement: Woongchilo Lhakhang has been served as community temple since its inception. It was and has been looked after by the line of caretakers elected from the Woongchilo community. The collection was shifted to the current temple, which was built in 2010 after the old temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 2009.
Author(s)/Creator(s): Local tradition holds that all the manuscripts in the collection were created by Lama Dawa Norub, the founder of Woongchilo Temple. However, an analysis of the catalogues and historical context of the manuscripts suggests that some of the manuscripts were produced in various locations by different individuals over an extended period of time. Despite this, it appears that the collection was brought to Woongchilo Temple several decades ago, where it has since been preserved.
