In a land blessed with numerous temples and monasteries, Tamshing Lhundrup Choeling Monastery(popularly known as Tamshing monastery)in Bumthang is truly remarkable for its age, beauty, and direct connection to the Bhutanese saint, cultural hero, and spiritual treasure revealer (terton), Pema Lingpa. The temple was built by Pema Lingpa himself in 1501, when he was 51 years old. It is located in Choekhor Gewog, about five kilometres from Chamkhar town.
The centrepiece/main wealth of the monastery is the statue of Gruru Rinmpoche, believed to have been built by khandroms (dakinis) and zung (inner relic in statues) of treasures revealed by Pema Lingpa from different places. The wall painting of the temple which is well preserved to date is regarded as one of the oldest in Bhutan. The temple also houses the iron net made by Pema Lingpa when he was 8 years old. It was blessed with his prayers that whoever come in contact with it/carry it and circumambulate the temple will get rid of sins and defilements.
Tamshing is also the original home of sacred peling dances (mask dances) that are performed in annual Tsechus (festivals) throughout Bhutan. Annual festival known as Phalachoedpa is held at its courtyard for three days during the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar.
Tamshing is a place of daily worship for local communities, and spiritual pilgrimage site of thousands of visitors and tourists. The monastery is headed by H.E Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche, the 11th direct incarnation of Pema Lingpa and has over 90 monks. The monastery plays a significant role to the daily lives of the surrounding communities and the people of Bhutan. The monks support the communities in performing religious ceremonies, community services and offering of compassionate counselling.