His Majesty The King graced the consecration of the new Chador Lhakhang in Bartsham, Trashigang, yesterday.

Chador Lhakhang is among the most sacred religious sites in eastern Bhutan. Thousands of people from across the region and country visit and venerate the relic of Chana Dorji, which gives the monastery its name. The earliest temples and relics of the monastery date back to the 12th century, and are associated with Guru Rinpoche and Pema Lingpa.

Construction of the new Lhakhang, which was built to accommodate increasing numbers of devotees and ritual ceremonies, began in 2006, and was overseen by Late Lama Kunzang Wangdi. The government, Bartsham dratshang, and members of the community supported the project under the patronage of Dzongsar Jamyang Khentse.

His Majesty graced the Purjang of Lama Kunzang, which was held coinciding with the consecration of the new lhakhang.