Project Overview
Chhamba Gumba was originally established in B.S. 1945 by a lama from the local village. It is now approximately 138 years old and stands as an ancient and historically significant religious site in Marbu, Dolakha, Nepal. The devastating earthquake of 2015 completely destroyed the monastery, leaving no proper space for worship, merit-making, or community gatherings. Recognizing the urgent need for a safer and more accessible location, a new piece of land was acquired, and the monastery was fully reconstructed at its current site using modern construction methods.
Project Action
Khenpo Pem Tsheri Sherpa took full responsibility for the rebuilding of the monastery. The reconstruction was made possible through the support of local and provincial governments, as well as the generous contributions of devotee followers and well-wishers from various countries. Construction began on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima and was successfully completed in 2023.
The inauguration ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Venerable H.H. Gyanghang Choktrul Rinpoche, the head lama of Namdroling Monastery in Mysore, South India. The event was graced by representatives of the provincial government, ministers, members of parliament, local government officials, and other distinguished personalities. Renowned artists were also in attendance, including the internationally acclaimed singer Ani Choying Drolma and singer Raju Lama. Following the completion and inauguration of the monastery, Khenpo Pem Tsheri Sherpa formally handed over the monastery to the local Chhamba Gumba Committee.
Structure and Features of the Monastery
Structure and Features of the Monastery The monastery has been constructed in the architectural style of Zangdok Palri (Copper-Colored Mountain) and is divided into three levels.
Ground Floor: The ground floor houses a magnificent seven-foot copper statue of Guru Padmasambhava, gilded in gold. Alongside it, sixteen-inch statues depicting the Eight Manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava are installed. Statues of Samantabhadra and Samantabhadri are also enshrined on this level. The walls are beautifully adorned with thangka paintings representing the 100 Peaceful and Wrathful Deities (Shitro), the Namcho and Ningthig traditions, the Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life), the Twenty-One Taras, and various mandalas.
Second Floor: The second floor features three-foot statues of the Three Bodhisattvas — Vajrapani, Avalokiteshvara, and Manjushri. The walls are decorated with paintings depicting the 25 principal disciples of Guru Padmasambhava in Tibet.
Third Floor: The third floor enshrines a three-foot statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The walls are adorned with paintings of the Twelve Original Buddhas of the Dzogchen tradition.The historic Chhamba Gumba, a 137-year-old spiritual site, was completely destroyed during the 2015 earthquake. The community was left without a sacred place for prayer and spiritual practice.
Location
Marbu-7, Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, Dolakha, Nepal
Impacts
- Restored a sacred spiritual center
- Revived traditional religious practices
- Preserved historical heritage for future generations
- providing the essence teaching of buddha and practice
