On the 18th day of eleventh month of Tibetan calendar is the aniversary of the parinirvana of 8th Kyabgon Khamtrul Rinpoche (corresponds to 12th January 2012).

Dechen Choekhor Monastery Tibet, Kullu and other branch monasteries are conducting special puja on this memorable day marking the passing of this great master of Drukpa Kagyu.

The 8th Kyabgon Khamtrul Rinpoche Dongyud Nyima (1931-1980), was a great scholar and well versed in traditional art of thangka painting, ritual dances, Tibetan medicine, traditional woodcraft and metal craft. Kyabgon Khamtrul Rinpoche and Kyabgon Adeu Rinpoche are the main lineage holders of Drukpa Kagyu Lineage from 8th Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche. Just as all his predecessors, every single Khamtrul Rinpoches Lineages primarily recieved transmission and teachings at Dechen Cheokhor from Shabdrung (Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche) or Drukpa Yongzin Rinpoche.   

In year 1980, on Rinpoche's last visit to Bhutan; he conferred many initiations and empowerments at the request of his devotees. Due to our limited accumulation of good Karma, we have not been able to see his long life and he passed away in Tongsa Monastery, Bhutan at a young age of 49 after completing numerous empowerments. Initiations was completed around 8pm followed by dinner. At about 11pm, Rinpoche told his attendant that he was unwell, and shortly after that he passed away around 12.15am. Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche was there with him at that last moment, and has spent about one month with him to receive the most important teachings of Drukpa Kagyu Lineages.

After the passing of the 8th Kyabgon Choegon Rinpoche; 8th Kyabgon Adeu Rinpoche together with 8th Kyabgon Khamtrul Rinpoche - the two heart sons of previous Choegon Rinpoche, became the pillars and strength of Drukpa Kagyu - to hold and propagate the precious teachings, practices and essence of the lineage.

The 8th Kyabgon Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche, 8th Kyabgon Adeu Rinpoche and 8th Kyabgon Khamtrul Rinpoche, important as they unquestionably are, the incomparable greatest masters of Drukpa Kagyu of 20th century. Owing to their great kindness and perseverance in preserving and propagating the essence and authentic teachings of the lineage, the Drukpa Kagyu Lineage that flourish today in Nangchen, Tibet and India are mainly holding the Lineage and Tradition of Dechen Choekhor, the main seat of Drukpa Choegon and Drukpa Yongzin for centuries.