The Zhuri Lhakhang archive holds a small yet invaluable collection of manuscripts integral to the temple’s sacred heritage. Revered as sungten, or embodiments of the Buddha’s teachings, these manuscripts are cherished as sacred objects of worship. The collection encompasses canonical texts, liturgical manuals, philosophical treatises, and narrative accounts, all meticulously organized in the flexible poti style across multiple volumes of varied sizes and formats. Most texts are manuscripts written in the uchen script with black ink on cream-colored, handmade Bhutanese paper, though the archive also includes two volumes of Bhutanese block prints. Among these, a distinguished volume of golden scripture is transcribed in gold ink on dark blue paper. Notably, the archive also holds a set of The Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand Lines, a xylographic print derived from the Narthang woodblocks, with the initial page, or tog, of each volume uniquely written in gold ink on dark blue paper. Only these opening pages have been digitized to honor their distinct presentation. To preserve these sacred manuscripts, they are stored on traditional bookshelves and carefully protected with multiple layers of cloth, ensuring their sanctity and safekeeping for future generations.
Extent: 1 collection of manuscripts containing 16 volumes.
Custodial history: The Zhuri Lhakhang archive, along with the temple itself, was historically maintained by the lineage of Zhuri Lamas, who are believed to be descendants of the temple’s founder. Although the Zhuri Lama lineage has since disappeared, a family thought to be descendants of the Zhuri Lama remains. As such, both the ownership of the Zhuri Lhakhang archive and custodianship of the temple rest with this family. At the same time, the temple serves as the community temple for Zhuri village, making the archive a shared asset for the entire community.
Arrangement: The collection lacks a systematic arrangement or specific order.
Author(s)/Creator(s): The majority of the manuscripts other than the blockprints were likely crafted within the temple premises by various individuals at different points of time.
