Kyichu Lhakhang
Visiting these iconic locations offers a unique look into the spiritual and natural heart of the country
Short intro about
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is located in the north of Paro town. It is the oldest and one of the most beautiful temples in Bhutan. It also goes by the names Lho Kyerchu or Kyerchu, and it is considered to be the sacred Jewel of Bhutan. The main temple of Jowo Lhakhang has roots as far back as the 7th century.
The temple was one of the 108 monasteries established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet. 12 of the 108 monasteries were built to pin down a demoness that laid across Tibet and Himalayas who prevented the spread of Buddhism. The twelve monasteries were believed to have been built at the twelve vital points of the demoness to subjugate her and to ensure the propagation of Buddhism. The 108 monasteries were said to be built in one day by artisans who were emanations of King Songtsen Gampo himself.
-Kyichu, the name has been derived from the peaceful place nearby the river side.
-There are three temples built by three different persons:
-First temple/ oldest temple called Jowo Lhakhang
-Built by first Dharma Raja Songtsen Gompo in 7th century (songtsen Gompon built 108 temples mainly to subdue the giant Ogress and to flourish the Dharma/ Buddhism. We have two temples out of 108 which we can visit one at Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang and another one here at Kyichu)
2nd Temple: Chenrizig/ Chuchi Zey Lhakhang.
-This is built by 25th Je Khenpo Sherab Gyaltshen in 1833 mainly to honor the oldest Lhakhang.
3rd Temple/ Guru Lhakhang.
-This was built by Royal Grand Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck in 1965 and completed in 1968 and it has been sponsored by Raja Sonam Tobgay and Rani Choni Wangmo Dorji ( they are parents of Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck)
– Welcome to Kyichu Lhakhang.
– It is an elevation of 2,250m/ 7381 meters approximately above the sea level.
– 27º towards the Northern Hemisphere 89º towards Eastern Himalaya
1.We are lucky to take pictures from outside Monastery.
2.Please refrain from taking pictures, while we are inside the Monastery.
3.Please refrain from touching wall paintings, statues and others relics inside.
4.Please maintain low voice, when we are outside/inside.
5. Please always walk in a clockwise direction when you are visiting and touring religious places.
6. Please remove your Footwear, Hats Sunglass while we are entering inside the Statue as a sign of respect.
7.If you want to use washroom, please let me know. I will assist you.
8. Please watch your steps/ Mind your head.
9. Do remember to keep your mobile silent mode or switched off completely while entering monasteries and other religious places.
10. Do refrain from uttering any negative comments on the royal family, the country’s religion or the chief abbot.
11. Do not wear tight or revealing clothes while visiting religious areas as a sign of respect.
12. Do not throw garbage anywhere except at designated places.
13. Do not feed birds/ animals while visiting natural sites.
-Namgyelma and Jangchub Chorten
-Namchuwangdhen,
-Double Vijra,
-small hand prayer wheels,
-Naga palace.
-Paintings of Four lokopalas,
-Gangtshen,
-Nagas,
-Five peaceful offerings
-Lhadhar
-Anadum and Jangchub Chorten
1st Temple
-Statue of Jow Shakyamjuni with his two disciple Shariputra Mongal yana( The statue of present Buddha wearing the crown of future Buddha Matriya is mainly to protect from bad fortune)
-Statue of Guru Choekor Sum
-Zhandrung Tshokor Sum
-Five wisdom Buddha
-Three times Buddha
-Standing form of three main Bodhisattvas
-Three main Bodhisattvas
-Amitayus
-Annual ceremony for Royal Family
-Lots of Fasting are held here.