History:

Kyichu Lhakhang is a ancient Buddhist temple located in Paro Valley in Bhutan. The temple was built in 7th century AD and is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. The temple was built by Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo as part of his introduction of Buddhism into the region. The temple is said to be built on the same place where one of Drotsen’s ( Ralung chiefs) arrow landed- thus the name ‘Kyichu’ which means “arrow”. The point of the temple is to hold up half of the earth and release negative forces that are inhabiting it. The temple houses many sacred relics, including imprints of a body shaped clay image of Guru Rimpoche, considered to be the Second Buddha. The temple architecture is a combination of Bhutanese and Tibetan design. The main temple is L-shaped with two courtyards and a main shrine room. It has been declared a protected monument and is used for religious and cultural events. It is one of the best temple in Bhutan which you must visit.

Facts:

Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, Bhutan is one of the oldest and most sacred temples built in the 7th century. It is believed to be built in the same year when Jigten Sumgon, the founding saint of Drukpa Kagyu lineage introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. It is one of the 108 monasteries (lhakhangs) built in the Himalayas by Tibet’s King Songtsen Gampo. Over the centuries, the monastery has been renovated and restored. It is believed to be the original version of the larger temple of Kyichu found in Bumthang. The main shrine of the temple holds a statue of the Guru Rinpoche of Padmasambhava, the founder of Bhutan. The temple is also home to some of the oldest and most esteemed statues of Padampani Avalokiteshvara, a form of Avalokiteshvara. A three-storey Buddha statue is considered to be of special importance in Kyichu Lhakhang. A festival is celebrated every year in the Lhakhang in which prayers are offered and local dances performed. The temple also houses sacred khandromas which are believed to protect the premises. 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:

The Kyichu Lhakhang monastery in Paro, Bhutan is an important spiritual and cultural site in the country. Worship at the monastery follows the Nyingma tradition, which is one of the oldest branches of Tibetan Buddhism. Worshipers typically begin their visit with a circumambulation of the building in a clockwise direction, while chanting prayers and mantras. During the circumambulation, worshippers make offerings, such as incense and butter lamps, to the deities enshrined in the shrine. After the circumambulation, the worshipper can enter the main shrine for a deeper spiritual experience. Inside the main shrine, worshipers recite specific prayers and mantras in order to pay respect and ask for blessings from the deities. Following this, the worshipper is invited to make their offerings, such as food, clothes, medicine, or money which is used to sustain the monastery. Worshippers can choose to perform additional prayers and rituals, such as reciting mantras or donning protective amulets. Depending on the worshipper's desires, larger events such as full-blown Pujas and festivals can be requested by the worshippers. This most visited temple in Bhutan

Opening Timing:

Kyichu Lhakhang is open every day from 8AM to 5PM. top temples in Bhutan

How to reach:

The easiest way to reach Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, Bhutan is to take a flight from the nearest airport in either India or Thailand to Paro International Airport. Then, you can either take a taxi or a local bus to get to Kyichu Lhakhang which is about 6 km from the airport. It should take about 20 minutes to get there. famous temples in Bhutan