Overview:

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is a Buddhist temple located in Bumthang province of Bhutan. It is one of the most important temples of Bhutan, celebrated as the sacred site where the founder of Bhutan, Guru Padmasambhava, meditated in the 8th century. The temple was built in the 17th century by Lam Namkha Tenpai Gyalpo who meditated in the Lhakhang many years before. There are three main temples inside the complex and each has a different purpose. The central temple is used for storing religious manuscripts. The other two are used for attending religious rituals and secular ceremonies such as weddings. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist believers and is visited by locals, as well as foreign visitors. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Temple complex: The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is a temple complex consisting of two main temples and four smaller ones. The main temples include the large Sangyong Lhakhang and the Rinchen Sang Lhakhang. 2. Location: The temple complex is located in the remote Wangditang area of Bhutan, close to the border with India. 3. History: The temple complex dates back to the second half of the 16th century, and was founded by Terton Pema Lingpa. 4. Architecture: The buildings of the temple complex are constructed in traditional Bhutanese architecture, with whitewashed walls and elaborately carved wooden beams. 5. Statue of Guru Rinpoche: The temple complex also houses a notable 3m tall statue of Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava. It was created in the 15th century and is the largest known statue of the Buddhist saint in Bhutan. 6. Rituals: The temple complex is used for various rituals and festivals, including the chanting of mantras and the annual gathering of monks from around the country. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is an important temple complex found in Bhutan. The temple complex was first established in the 8th century by the great Buddhist saint Padmasambhava. The temple was a meditation haven for Padmasambhava as he prepared for his eight great achievements or lifetime projects such as the building of ninety-six thousand monasteries, temples and meditation sites. The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is built on the confluence of two rivers, representing the union of the spiritual path and worldly activities. The main entrance to the temple complex is located on the west with main entryways lined with colorful, vibrant prayer flags. Inside the temple complex is a series of ancient halls, and holy statues and relics. The complex houses a temple for Padmasambhava as well as the mandala of the god of compassion, Avalokiteshvara. The temple is one of Bhutan's holiest pilgrimage sites with many Bhutanese coming to the temple to pay their respects to Padmasambhava and to receive his blessings. The temple complex contains many sacred artifacts, historical relics, and sacred writings believed to have been left behind by the great Buddhist master. Today, the temple is still a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world. The complex is managed by the head lama and attracts many pilgrims from across the world. The lhakhang also hosts many cultural activities such as traditional mask dances, rituals and religious ceremonies throughout the year. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang in Bhutan, also known as “the temple of the iron bird”, is the oldest lhakhang in the Kingdom. 2. The temple was built in the 11th century and was the private chapel of the Druk rulers of Bhutan. 3. According to legend, the temple was founded by king Ugyen Gyalpo. He was an incredible blacksmith and created the metal bird that is still perched atop the temple’s central tower. 4. In 1976, the temple was destroyed in an earthquake, but was subsequently reconstructed in the 1980s. 5. Every year, the temple is the site of an annual festival that celebrates the arrival of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). 6. The lhakhang offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and is a popular tourist attraction. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.