History:

is believed to have started in the mid-15th century when Lam Ngagi Wangchuk built a temple. Later, Lam Chhenejen renovated the temple and expanded it to become a monastery. The monastery is a complex of numerous temples and sacred shrines. It has colorful wall paintings and the four-faced statue of the Future Buddha here. Also, the guardian deities of various directions are enshrined in the temple complex. Ura Monastery is regarded as one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries of Bhutan. The monastery is surrounded by many houses, giving it the look of a neat little town. Every year on the third month of the Bhutanese calendar, a festival is held in the courtyard of the monastery. During the three-day festival, the monks perform religious ceremonies such as chanting mantras and dances. The festival is attended by thousands of locals as well as pilgrims who come to pay respects to the monastery. It is one of the best temple in Bhutan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Ura Monastery is situated in Bumthang valley of Bhutan. 2. It was founded in 16th century and is the largest temple in Bumthang Valley. 3. Ura Monastery is a place of great spiritual significance for Buddhists in Bhutan. 4. It is the sole Nyingmapa Monastery in the Bumthang Valley. 5. There is an interesting story about this monastery's founding. It is said that the son of the ruler of this valley found a conch shell one day and took it to the lama at Ura village. The lama ordered him to start building a temple on the spot where the conch was found. 6. Earlier, monks would stay in small houses around the monastery complex, but in 1992 the living blocks were built to provide modern, comfortable accommodation for the monks. 7. There is a museum of historical and cultural artifacts within the temple complex. 8. The main shrine of the Ura Monastery is devoted to Lord Guru Rinpoche and includes elaborate wall murals and sculptures. 9. Ura Monastery hosts an important masked dance festival known as Ura Yakchoe every year. The festival features masked dances performed by monks to invoke blessings from local and mountain gods. 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 Ura Monastery in Bumthang is known for its unique form of worship, which is referred to as the “Ura Tsem”. This method of worship is based on the teachings of the illustrious 12th-century saint Milarepa. Each day of the week is dedicated to a different deity and is celebrated through rituals and chants. On Sunday, the monks perform a ritual honoring the highest meditational deity, Guru Rinpoche. They light butter lamps, invoke auspiciousness, and recite prayers. On Monday, a ritual known as the “Right Recitation” is performed with prayers and purification rituals in respect to Padmasambhava, the 8th-century saint. Tuesday is dedicated to sacrificing to Ka Rinpoche (the protector deities) and Wednesday honors Sakya Senge, the 8th-century Indian monk. Thursday pays respect to the four Buddhas of past, present, and future. During this ceremony, heavy objects such as rocks and stones are placed on each part of the body to symbolize the four tormas of the four buddhas. On Friday, a ritual is performed to honor Akchu, the compassionate protector deity. The Saturday ritual is dedicated to honoring all the spirits and souls of the departed who suffered in life. Offerings are made of incense, water, wine, and food accompanied by the recital of prayers. The Ura Tsem is traditionally performed in monasteries of the Bumthang region, although it is also performed in other parts of Bhutan. This most visited temple in Bhutan

Opening Timing:

The Ura Monastery in Bumthang, Bhutan is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm every day. top temples in Bhutan

How to reach:

The Ura Monastery is located in Bumthang district, Bhutan. To reach the monastery, travelers must first fly into Paro International Airport, Bhutan. From there, they can travel by taxi or take one of the public buses to Bumthang district. Bumthang is about 190 km from Paro and takes about 8-10 hours to reach. From Bumthang, the Ura Monastery is located just 10 km away. famous temples in Bhutan