History:

is a Buddhist monastery located in the town of Punakha, Bhutan. It was founded in 1737 by Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup, the first Druk Desi ("Dharma King") of Bhutan. Built in a traditional style of Bhutanese architecture, its two main shrines house statues of the historical figures, Guru Padmasambhava and Pema Linga. The monastery is a popular sacred site for pilgrims, and its annual festival held on the 15th day of the sixth month of the Lunar Calendar is visited by thousands of faithful Buddhists. It is one of the best temple in Bhutan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is a four-storeyed temple located in Punakha, Bhutan. 2. The temple was built in the 16th century by Drukpa Kuenley, which makes it one of the oldest religious structures in the country. 3. The temple is known for its elaborate woodcarvings and murals of Buddhist icons, deities, and scenes from Buddhist literature. 4. The temple is part of the Drupthop Lhakhang complex, which consists of five temples. 5. The temple is venerated as the “Living Only Son” because it is believed to house the reincarnation of Drukpa Kunley’s son in its chapels. 6. The temple is equipped with a Sakyamuni Buddha statue and a unique golden Padmasambhava Buddha image, both of which are extensively decorated with jewellery. 7. The temple complex houses other shrines dedicated to Guru Dorji Lingpa, Guru Jigme Lingpa, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and Avalokiteshvara. 8. The temple is a popular tourist destination and is visited by both local and international tourists. 9. The temple is an example of Bhutanese traditional wooden architecture and a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site. 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 Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang in Punakha presents a distinctive approach to the practice of Buddhist worship. Located on the edge of Punakha Dzong, it is one of the most important and oldest monasteries in the valley. The temple is renowned for its rich tradition of Buddhist ritual practices and its sacred statues which are believed to bestow blessings unto worshippers. The primary method of worship at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup is traditional Buddhist ritual practice. Rituals performed at the temple include daily “Tsatsa” offerings of the five senses, seven branches of worship, including recitation of a hundred names of Guru Rinpoche and offering of “Torma” – small, carefully crafted butter sculptures which represent aspects of the enlightened being. This is accompanied by a series of chanting, prostrations and prayers to supplicate the blessings of various deities. In addition to the elaborate rituals, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup is also renowned for its masked dance ceremonies – popularized in the Punakha region – which are held during large festivals and special times of the year. These masked dances typically involve the enactment of mythological characters such as deities and nagas (mythical serpent-like creatures) which are accompanied by traditional music and dance. In addition to Buddhist rituals and dances, the temple is also widely known for its practice of sacrificial blood offering ceremonies which are used to invoke blessings from local deities. Each sacrificial ritual involves the offering of fresh ingredients – such as meat, butter and rice – as tribute to the spirits for their blessings. The worshippers at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup strive to maintain a proper balance of ritualistic practices and prayers with a more personal approach to the practice of Buddhism. They believe that every individual has their own unique path to enlightenment and that combining traditional practices and the spiritual intention of one’s heart is essential for a deeper understanding of the Dharma. This most visited temple in Bhutan

Opening Timing:

The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is generally open from 9am to 5pm every day. top temples in Bhutan

How to reach:

The easiest way to reach the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang in Punakha is by road. Punakha is located approximately 110 kilometres from Paro International Airport and can be reached via various bus and taxi services operating from the airport. There is also a regular bus service from Thimphu to Punakha that takes about 3-4 hours. Once in Punakha, the Lhakhang can be reached by foot or by bike. famous temples in Bhutan