Overview:

Kurjey Lhakhang is one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan. It's located in Bumthang district in central Bhutan. The temple was consecrated by Guru Padmasambhava when he visited Bhutan in 747 AD. The temple compound consists of three temples; Kurjey Lhakhang, Chhoedin Lhakhang and the innermost one, Guru Lhakhang. The local people believe that these three temples represent the body, speech and mind of Guru Rinpoche. Kurjey Lhakhang is also believed to have witnessed several important events in the history of Bhutan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. One of the oldest temples in Bhutan: Kurjey Lhakhang was built in 1652 and is one of the oldest temples in the country. 2. Historical significance: A sacred site associated with important figures in Bhutan’s history, including Guru Rimpoche and the first king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck. 3. Local legends: Kurjey Lhakhang is said to have been built on the site of an earlier temple, which was destroyed by Evil forces. 4. Other Temples: The complex includes three temples, each dedicated to a different aspect of Buddhism. 5. Design: Each temple features intricate Buddhist iconography, including colorful frescoes. 6. Spectacular Location: Kurjey Lhakhang is set amidst lush forest, meadows, and river valleys. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Kurjey Lhakhang is one of the most prominent and important temples in Bhutan. Located in Bumthang district of central Bhutan, it is the site of the death of Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived in Bumthang Valley in a flying chariot and flew straight into a rock, leaving an imprint of his body in the form of a body-length indentation. This formed the basis for the establishment of Kurjey Lhakhang, meaning ‘Body Impression Temple’ in Tibetan. The present temple was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa, a descendent of Terton Pema Lingpa, a famous terton (treasure revealer) of Bhutan. Kurjey Lhakhang consists of three lhakhangs connected by an open courtyard. The oldest lhakhang contains murals and other invaluable relics, such as the clay statue of Guru Rinpoche that Minjur Tempa himself made. The middle lhakhang is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and contains his body-imprint. The third lhakhang, known as Jampay Lhakhang, is mainly used as an assembly hall for religious ceremonies and also contains statues of Guru Rinpoche. Kurjey Lhakhang is also considered a power place, as various deities are believed to manifest here. Every year, Bhutanese people and pilgrims from neighboring countries come to attend religious events and visit the temple. It is a spiritual site of great importance, and it is believed to bestow special powers to those who visit it. Today, Kurjey Lhakhang remains a popular pilgrimage destination and is said to hold the power to grant wishes to those who visit it with pure hearts. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Kurjey Lhakhang is the most sacred temple in Bhutan as it houses the body print of Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan. 2. It is situated in the Bumthang valley of Bhutan, and was founded by the first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1652. 3. The temple complex consists of three temples: the main temple, the older temple and the recently built temple. 4. The main temple contains the original body print of Guru Rimpoche, while the older temple holds the body print of Je Tshongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. 5. Legend has it that when Guru Rimpoche was meditating in the cave nearby 650 years ago, a lake appeared on the ground and became known as Kurjey Choeten, which literally means the lake of body print. 6. The three temples are collectively known as the Kurjey Lhakhang. 7. Every year a five-day annual festival, called the Kurjey Tshechu, is held at the temple complex. 8. During this festival the main statue of Guru Rimpoche is taken out from the main temple and displayed to thousands of pilgrims who come here from far away places. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.