The Ana Gonpa archive safeguards a modest yet profoundly significant collection of manuscripts that form an essential part of the temple’s sacred heritage. These manuscripts, venerated as sungten—embodiments of the Buddha’s teachings—serve not only as objects of study but also as revered items of worship. The archive’s holdings include The Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand Lines, liturgical manuals, and two sets of Five Kinds of Dharani. These texts are meticulously organized in the flexible poti style, spanning multiple volumes of varying sizes and formats. Most manuscripts, excluding The Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand Lines, are handwritten in the elegant uchen script using black ink on cream-colored, handmade Bhutanese paper, showcasing traditional craftsmanship. A standout feature of the collection is the xylographic set of The Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand Lines, printed from the renowned Narthang woodblocks. Each volume begins with a striking initial page (tog) inscribed in gold ink on dark blue paper, a feature that underscores its sacred and artistic value. To respect their unique presentation, only these golden-ink opening pages have been digitized. To ensure their preservation, these sacred texts are carefully stored on traditional wooden shelves, wrapped in multiple layers of protective cloth, maintaining their sanctity and securing their legacy for generations to come.
Extent: 1 collection of manuscripts containing 7 volumes.
Custodial history: Anag Gonpa, originally a private temple owned by an ordinary family from Anag village, also housed an archive that belonged to the family. Over time, the temple and its archive were handed over to the Anag village community, transforming the temple into a community lhakhang. Today, both the temple and its archive are managed by a caretaker appointed by the community, ensuring their preservation and continued significance as cultural and spiritual treasures.
Arrangement: The collection lacks a systematic arrangement or specific order.
Author(s)/Creator(s): The majority of the manuscripts were likely crafted within the temple premises by various individuals at different points in time.
