Changangkha Lhakhang is perched high on a spur and it identifies as a hospital landmark of Thimphu. It was originally built in the 12th century by Lam Phajo Drugom Zhipo and it is one of the oldest in temple Thimphu. The monastery houses Chenrezig (Avolokitesawara), an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation as the central statue. The main guardian deity is named Dom Tshang. The prayer books in this monastery are larger than the usual Buddhist texts. Additionally, there are large prayer wheels inside the monastery and small ones on the walls outside the monastery.
It’s a pictorial as well as a religious site for devout Bhutanese people with immense faith in religion and blessings from the venerated lamas. Families with newborns occasionally visit this Changangkha Lhakhang to receive names and blessings for their babies. Tourists are not allowed inside the temple without a permit, but one can sit next to the prayer flag and enjoy a good vista over the Thimphu Valley.
