Namgung Monastery ( Pal Namgung Jangchub Ling Gonpa) situated in the Nangkhong Valley of Dolpo in western Nepal, Namgung Monastery, which is one of the three oldest mother monasteries in Dolpo. The first tribal community, Kowa who established their rule in Saldang village lived at the Namgung Village. This sacred place carries profound spiritual significance, blessed by the holy footsteps of numerous ancestral scholars of the time, standing as a pinnacle of the water. During that time, an influential tantric practitioner known as Kowo Phurthok founded a spiritual enclave in this vicinity. The surrounding terrain comprised extensive cave networks in both upper and lower regions, transforming it into a haven frequently abided by numerous hermits and ascetics dedicated to their spiritual pursuits.
The historical origin of the monastery connects with a meditation cave nestled in a rocky enclave situated to the left of the current old monastery where Rachen Lophel Palsang spent spiritual time mentoring and guiding his disciples. During the 17th century, the known spiritual master Drakkar Karma Lobsang laid the foundation of the monastery and inaugurated a retreat center. Notably, the king of Jumla honored the monastery with profound respect and generous support. The place turned into a hub for both learning and spiritual practice throughout the lifetimes of Raychen Lophel Palsang and Jowo Ngawang Namgyal, the latter being a disciple of the esteemed Karma Lobsang. Subsequently, Lama Jowo Ngawang Dhondup, the head of the monastery, instituted a set of monastic rules and regulations, receiving official endorsement and support from the King of Lo (Mustang) who affixed his royal seal to authenticate the monastic guidelines, Since the preservation of this monastery by Lophel Palzang’s disciple Ngawang Namgyal, the monastery had been maintained and managed by Ngawang Dhondup, then the first Nyinchungpa Ogyen Choesang, his son Lachung Sonam gyaltsen and by the Nyinchung Drubthop Tulku Ogyen Tenzin, Nyinchung Lama Tulku Tenzin Choesang continuously.
Furthermore, great masters including Ngari Penchen, Garwang Dorje, Ngog Drakkar Karma Lobsang and prince of Mustang had visited this sacred site. Though there are many remarkable details and accounts found in the old documents about the vows and discipline practices of the monks, it seems appropriate to conclude here with the information that the monastery at present is under the preservation and management of the successors of precious Nyinchung lineage.
Presently Nyinchung Dungse Rinpoche and his father Tulku Tenzin Choesang Rinpoche takes the enthroned monastic responsibilities of the monastery and moreover the punctual activities that fall as per the monastic routines are smoothly carrying on regularly. Namgung Monastery is a common Dharma center where all the devotees present at the every program and activities conducted in the monastery. This monastery has been centre for accumulating Dharma and platform to conduct various Pujas come to happen. The monastery traces its historical evidence late back to 17th century. The old and historically essential monastery is located exactly afar on the way to Shey Monastery below Nyinchung Monastery in Saldang. Namgung Monastery is about 15 km away from the Saldang village and falls exactly a campsite location for the tourism by the Great Himalayan Trial. The monastery paves up with beautiful environments and sacred caves where many hermitages of ancient times have practiced their retreats. At presently there are some monks and care takers regularly perform basic monastic rituals in the morning and evening.
Schedule of functions and ceremonies for Namgung Monastery in a year.
(According to the rules and regulations of the monastery, monks should stay on retreat for two months during winter.)
1. Tse Chu festival on the 10th day of 3rd Tibetan month
2. Fire Puja, during plantation of crops by the people, as suggested by Gyalwang Karmapa.
3. 'Yarlha Chenmo' on the 11th day of 6th Tibetan month.
4. 'Namchoe Dechen Shingdrub' ceremony on the 10th day of 8th Tibetan month.
5. Prayers and offerings to the local deities in 11th Tibetan month jointly by the people of Saldang and Namgung Monastery.
6. 'Gu Tor' ritual from 25th to 29th day of 11th Tibetan month.
