The Archive of Lhadzong Tashigang Gonpa, like many monastic repositories, holds an extensive collection of religious scriptures, including a complete set of Kanjur texts, various sutras, and other significant works. The collection comprises both manuscripts and block prints, inscribed in uchen and umey scripts using black ink on cream-colored handmade Bhutanese paper. It also includes three volumes of golden scriptures: one volume is entirely written in gold ink on dark blue paper, while the other two feature gold ink on the opening pages, with the main text inscribed in black ink on cream-colored handmade paper. As a revered sacred relic, the Archive is carefully preserved within the central temple’s tower. The texts are stored on bookshelves, wrapped in layers of protective cloth, and secured between wooden boards fastened with string. These meticulous preservation practices reflect the profound reverence and care dedicated to safeguarding these spiritual treasures.
Extent: 1 collection of manuscripts containing 233 volumes.
Custodial history: The Lhadzong Tashigang temple belonged to the community of Phendekha village in Toebisa, Thimphu. During that time, there was a tradition of appointing a custodian for the temple, known as the Dzongpon, who oversaw the archive. Later, the temple was handed over to the monastic body of Thimphu, Bhutan, which established a monastic school for monks on the temple premises in the year of 1993. Today, the archive is maintained by the community of monk led by a principal and two monk teachers.
Arrangement: The collection lacks a systematic arrangement or specific order. However, the Lhadzong Tashigang Archive has categorized it into four distinct groups: manuscripts, block prints, golden scriptures, and Kanjur opening pages.
Author(s)/Creator(s): The majority of the manuscripts were likely crafted within the temple premises by various individuals over time, spanning from the late 18th to the 19th century. Similarly, the block prints, produced in both Tibet and Bhutan, were likely created by the temple’s founder in the 18th century.
