Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery

After  the effort to reach Taktshang on Saturday, Sunday was largely  a quiet day.  We did take a brief hike up to Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery.  This fortress like temple overlooks downtown Thimphu.  It was built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Llama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo.  While we were there numerous parents brought their babies and young children in to the inner sanctum and handed them to a monk.  The child is apparently given an auspicious name or blessing from the protector deity Tamdrin.  I believe it was Tamdrin's image we saw in the sanctum. 

From the back of the temple there was an excellent view of downtown Thimphu.  Thee were also numerous black and gold prayer wheels.  Though the script on the prayer wheels was Tibetan which I can not read, it did look the same on each prayer wheel.  I am uncertain of the significance of that.

 

Downtown Thimphu from Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery

The lack and gold payer wheels being spun by an elderly pilgrim

A view of the court yard with the prayer wheels

Another court yard within the temple

The kitchen

 

It was a short hike (only about an hour round trip), but a nice follow-up to Taktshang.