Rediscovering Rare Literary Works in Thimphu during Bhutan Holidays
A tour of Thimphu can be undertaken during Bhutan holidays to learn about the cultural and religious heritage of the kingdom in detail. A good way to do so is to take a trip to the National Library and Archives, situated right next to the Royal Golf Course. Queen Phuntsho Choden, the consort of the second Dragon Emperor, Jigme Wangchuck, established the institution in 1967. The central tower of Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government, was the original home of the library and archives until it was moved to the Changankha locality of Thimphu. As its collection grew, the current building was constructed and finally inaugurated in 1984. The aim of the institution is to make available to all nationals, materials regarding the heritage of the kingdom. It collects and preserves ancient literature on history, culture, religion and society and carries out research, analysis and documentation of the said works.
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The Building
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The library and archive premises contain three buildings: the main four-storey structure in the centre, a three-storey building and a two-storey structure. As per the national culture, the complex is constructed of white stones with wooded windows and roof in the Dzong style of architecture. Inside the primary structure, statues and paintings of Lord Buddha, books and 8 stupas on the altar represent the physical, speech and mind or heart aspects of the deity, respectively. Entering inside, people can see the largest book ever published, containing early photographs of the country. It weighs over 60 kg and measures 7 feet in length and 5 feet in breadth. Behind the altar, containing the stupas, are paintings of the founders of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Books on Bon, Sakya, Kadam, Jonagng, Gelug and Zhalu traditions of Tibet, along with those on medicine, astrology, arts, poetry and grammar are housed on the first floor. Also among the books are over 100 volumes, written by Bodong Chogley Namgyal, who founded the Bodong School. At the back wall is a shrine, containing paintings of Padmasambhava, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Pema Lingpa, the three greatest Bhutanese preachers. In the second floor are books on the Nyingma school of Himalayan Buddhism and accounts of those, who are thought to have revealed treasures in Bhutan. Images of Avalokiteshvara, Manjusri and Vajrapani, three important Buddhist figures are in the shrine near the rear wall. Ancient texts on the Kagyu School and other Buddhist scriptures, translated from Sanskrit into Chokey, are kept at the top floor of the main structure. As with other floors, there is a small temple near the back wall here too that has a big and 9 small paintings of Lord Buddha. Tools, used in paper making, wood-block painting and calligraphy are also displayed here.
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Archives
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The National Archives has precious collections including rare manuscripts, woodblocks, photographs and national records. Tourists visiting the site with their Bhutan holiday package will not be able to enter the archive, but in the future, its collections will be digitised and made available online. The repository of this two-floor structure contains old records and letters, and over 7000 rare photos, microfilms of documents and rare manuscripts, and books. A microfilm service is offered by the establishment where rare and important documents, held by anyone, are encouraged to be brought for digitisation.
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The Building
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The library and archive premises contain three buildings: the main four-storey structure in the centre, a three-storey building and a two-storey structure. As per the national culture, the complex is constructed of white stones with wooded windows and roof in the Dzong style of architecture. Inside the primary structure, statues and paintings of Lord Buddha, books and 8 stupas on the altar represent the physical, speech and mind or heart aspects of the deity, respectively. Entering inside, people can see the largest book ever published, containing early photographs of the country. It weighs over 60 kg and measures 7 feet in length and 5 feet in breadth. Behind the altar, containing the stupas, are paintings of the founders of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Books on Bon, Sakya, Kadam, Jonagng, Gelug and Zhalu traditions of Tibet, along with those on medicine, astrology, arts, poetry and grammar are housed on the first floor. Also among the books are over 100 volumes, written by Bodong Chogley Namgyal, who founded the Bodong School. At the back wall is a shrine, containing paintings of Padmasambhava, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Pema Lingpa, the three greatest Bhutanese preachers. In the second floor are books on the Nyingma school of Himalayan Buddhism and accounts of those, who are thought to have revealed treasures in Bhutan. Images of Avalokiteshvara, Manjusri and Vajrapani, three important Buddhist figures are in the shrine near the rear wall. Ancient texts on the Kagyu School and other Buddhist scriptures, translated from Sanskrit into Chokey, are kept at the top floor of the main structure. As with other floors, there is a small temple near the back wall here too that has a big and 9 small paintings of Lord Buddha. Tools, used in paper making, wood-block painting and calligraphy are also displayed here.
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Archives
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The National Archives has precious collections including rare manuscripts, woodblocks, photographs and national records. Tourists visiting the site with their Bhutan holiday package will not be able to enter the archive, but in the future, its collections will be digitised and made available online. The repository of this two-floor structure contains old records and letters, and over 7000 rare photos, microfilms of documents and rare manuscripts, and books. A microfilm service is offered by the establishment where rare and important documents, held by anyone, are encouraged to be brought for digitisation.
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