History:

is a complex story full of Buddhist legends and Buddhist achievements. A temple site was constructed on the present location of Kichu Lakhang in 746 by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. He was the 33rd Tibetan King and a contemporary of the Chinese Emperor Tai Tsung. It was believed that the King built 108 such temples in a single day to pin down various Tibetan goddesses of Tibet – also known as Kudung (Territory Guardians). It is said that each of these 108 temples was having a large image of Avalokitesvara – the Bodhisattva representing the compassionate power of all Buddhas. The purpose of these temples was to spread the message of Buddhism throughout the Himalayas. Thus, a single temple is just a symbol of the entire mission of Buddhism in this region. The temple was originally made of mud, twigs, and stones. At present, Kichu Lakhang hosts a “Jowo” statue that was brought tothis site by the celebrated sage Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, who is credited with introducing Buddhism in the 8th century. Kichu Lakhang has been renovated several times to become the magnificent structure of today that was built in the 15th century by the great grandson of Pema Linga, one of the five sons of Buddhist master Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This temple is highly revered in Bhutan as it has huge religious significance. People come here to make offerings and to pray. The main structure is a two storied temple and houses various Buddhist artifacts as well as statues of deities such as Padmasambhava, who is believed to have spread Buddhism in this part of the continent and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. It is one of the best temple in Bhutan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Kichu Lakhang (Jowo Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Bumthang, Bhutan. 2. The temple was founded by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. 3. It is believed to be one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the country. 4. The 7-story temple houses a wooden image of Shakyamuni Buddha, a foot print of Guru Padmasambhava and numerous shrines and statues. 5. It is a pilgrimage destination of both Bhutanese and Tibetan Buddhists. 6. The annual Jomolhari Mountain Festival is held every year in front of the temple. 7. Kichu Lakhang is included in Bhutan's World Heritage list and is protected by Royal Government of Bhutan. Here are some facts about the Bhutan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Bhutan

Worship Method:

Kichu Lakhang of Bumthang, Bhutan is worshipped in a traditional tantric Buddhist ceremony known as ''kora''. This ceremony involves circumambulating the temple three times while reciting prayers and mantras. After the kora is completed, worshippers may enter the temple to offer prayers, give offerings to the statues of deities, and light butter lamps. They may also make offerings of food and drink, flowers, incense and incense sticks, and butter lamps. The prayers said during worship are mostly om mani padme hum or om ah hung vajra guru padma siddhi hung. These two mantras are associated with the Buddhist Bodhisattvas of Compassion, Chenrezig and Padmasambhava respectively. After prayers are offered, local temple priests will consecrate the offerings with additional mantras, rituals, and prayers. Worshippers may also perform a puja ceremony where offerings of flowers and incense are made to the deities in the temple. The kora is repeated multiple times throughout the day in a symbolic gesture of faith in the Dharma, and is typically accompanied by chanting the Heart Sutra or other mantras prescribed by the temple. In addition to the kora, worshippers may also perform other traditional Buddhist practices such as prostrations, circumambulation, meditation, and chanting mantras. At the end of the day, worshippers may also offer special prayers to ask for divine intervention from the deities they have encountered during the day's worship. Ultimately, Kichu Lakhang of Bumthang is a powerful reminder to the people of Bhutan that Buddhism holds the key to attaining peace and harmony with the divine forces at work in our lives. This most visited temple in Bhutan

Opening Timing:

The Jowo Temple in Bumthang is open to visitors from 8am to 5pm every day. top temples in Bhutan

How to reach:

Kichu Lakhang (Jowo Temple) is located in the Bumthang region of Bhutan. The temple is located at the central part of Bumthang and can be accessed by car from Jakar, the nearest town about 30 kilometers away. There are no public transport options, so the best way to reach the temple is to hire a taxi from Jakar. Alternatively, you can choose to trek to the temple from Jakar, which takes about 4-5 hours depending on your pace. famous temples in Bhutan