The oldest Lhakhang in Sarpang Dzongkhag is Sershong Lhakhang, which was built in 1976. At that time, the Lhakhang did not have a Neykhang, and the people born in Sarpang Dzongkhag were not aware of the existence of a Kaylha (God of Birth). As a result, many did not recognize the importance of having one.
Lopen Sonam Wangdi, a Gomchen, from Sershong understood the significance of having a Kaylha for children born in Sarpang Dzongkhag to seek refuge and protection. Therefore, he proposed to His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, while serving as Lam Neten of Sarpang Rabdey, that Jowu Durshing could be adopted as the Kaylha for children born in Sershong. His Holiness agreed, noting that Jowu Durshing could indeed be adopted since the tributaries of the Mao Chu originates from Jow Durshing. However, due to a lack of awareness among the public at that time, it remains uncertain whether Jowu Durshing was adopted as the Kaylha by the parents of children born after that period.
In 1988, Dasho Rinzin Gyaltshen (former Zhung Kalyon) while serving as Sarpang Dzongdag, deeply contemplated installing a Local Deity (Nyep) for Sarpang Dzongkhag. Driven by a sincere desire to benefit the residents and ensure their protection, he sought counsel from His Holiness the 68th Je Khenpo, Tenzin Dondrup. The Je Khenpo advised that Aap Geynyen would be the most appropriate Nyep/Diety to safeguard Sarpang Dzongkhag.
Following this guidance, Dasho Rinzin Gyaltshen embarked on an auspicious journey to Dechenphu Lhakhang, where he personally extended an invitation to Geynyen to come to Sarpang, dressed in full chadri as a mark of respect and reverence. To prepare for this sacred act, he obtained all necessary ritual items like Dali, Chabop, Pata, Tshanda, and other genchhas from Zokhang in Tashichoedzong, Thimphu.
With these offerings, Dasho Rinzin Gyaltshen initiated crafting of Aap Gyenen Statue in the Sarbangtar Lhakhang belonging to Aap L.O Wangdi which has now been upgraded to Zangtopelri Lhakhang. Those who were aware of the concept of Kaylha might have adopted Aap Geynyen as the Kaylha for their children born in Sarpang at that time. All necessary materials for Aap Geynyen’s settlement in Sarpang were generously supported by His Holiness himself.
In the year 2003, Aap Geynyen was received and installed in the newly constructed Neykhang near Sarpang Rabdey in Gelephu, for the peace and security of the nation. The rabney of the Neykhang was conducted by H.H the 70 th Je Khenpo Truelku Jigme Choeda. This marked the official declaration of Aap Geynyen as the Nyep of Sarpang Dzongkhag. Now days, people visit the Nyekhang to seek protection for their children.
In 2011, a Neykhang for Aap Geynyen was constructed again in Phulahari under Samtenling Gewog, following the guidance and a donation of Nu. 1.5 million from the 70th Je Khenpo. The rabney was also conducted by the 70 th Je Khenpo. With the advent of GMC, the old temple was removed to make way for a new, larger, and more beautiful replica of Geynyen Neykhang of Dechenphu, Thimphu, an architectural fusion of modern and traditional art. Once completed, the Neykhang will serve as the principal abode of Aap Gyenyen and will officially affirm Aap Geynyen’s status as the Nyep, Kaylha, and protector of GMC.
Contributed by.
Dr. Choeda Gyaltshen.
CRRH, Gelephu
