The archive of Talangkha Gonpa houses an extensive collection of manuscripts, including a complete set of the Kanjur. It serves as an integral part of the sacred religious objects preserved in Talangkha Temple. As a sungten or a representation of the Buddha’s speech, the archive is revered as a holy object of worship. The entire Talangkha collection comprises meticulously hand-written manuscripts inscribed in uchen script with black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. The first pages of each Kanjur volume are particularly exquisite, featuring text written in gold ink on dark blue paper and adorned with intricate miniature depictions of the Buddha on the right and left margins. These artistic embellishments highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and devotion invested in their creation. Preserved as sacred relics, the Talangkha collection is stored within the temple’s traditional wooden bookshelves. Each volume is carefully wrapped in layers of cloth, flanked by two wooden boards, and securely tied with a string. This meticulous preservation reflects the profound reverence accorded to these spiritual treasures, emphasizing the enduring commitment to their protection and sanctity.
Extent: 1 collection of manuscripts containing 126 volumes.
Custodial history: Talangkha temple, officially known as Trashi Drugyel, was traditionally overseen by a lineage of lamas or abbots appointed by the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan. Over time, a monastic school was established at the temple. Today, the collection is maintained by a monk caretaker, known as the kon-nyer, who is appointed by the head of the school. The kon-nyer is selected on a rotational basis from among the monk students of the school.
Arrangement: The Talangkha collection is not organized according to a specific system at the collection level. However, it is classified into two main categories: the Talangkha Kanjur and the Talangkha Thorbu.
Author(s)/Creator(s): The entire Talangkha collection was likely created at Talangkha Lhakhang Gonpa between the 17th and 18th centuries.
