Kyichu Lhakhang aka Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple as well as one of the renowned attractions in Paro – Bhutan.
History of Kyichu Lhakhang
One of the oldest temples in Bhutan – the Jowo Temple of Kyichu was originally constructed in the 7th-century by Songtsen Gampo - the Tibetan Emperor. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 border taming temples the Emperor built. Kyichu Lhakhang’s construction was done overnight and initially small in size. However, after being under multiple visits through years by the Buddhist saints, the temple itself expanded both in size and grandeur.
Guru Padmasambhava, in the 8th century, was believed to have paid a visit the Kyichu Lhakhang and hidden a manifold of treasures in the site. In 1674, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal – the Tibetan Buddhist Lama, took over the temple. From 1836 to 1838, the Kyichu Lhakhang was later reconstructed by the 25th Je Khenpo Shereb Gyaltshen.
Later, a new structure of the temple was constructed and named Guru Lhakhang in 1968. Other Buddhist Saint that visited Kyichu Lhakhang temple for prayers also created an impact by expanding the temple. The prominent Buddhist saints were Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, Lam Kha Nga and Guru Rinpoche and many more in the 8th century.
Kyichu Lhakhang – What You Can Find Here
As you walk toward Kyichu Lhakhang, the environment is peaceful and serene. An old-aged monastery is a wonderful place that you will find elderly pilgrims that are often strolling around the temple and spinning the prayer wheels. Inside the inner courtyard, there is a King's painting named Gesar of Ling on the wall just close to the entrance. The king was an infamous warrior in Tibet, and according to history, his epic poem is the longest in the world.
The Kyichu Lhakhang conceals the 7th-century statue of Jowo Jamba which is one of the greatest treasures of the valley. Also, there is another Chenrezig's statue outside the shrine having 1000arms and 11 heads. You also can see the wooden floor having grooves worn by the generations of prostrators. You will be attracted by the main entrance door which is coated with gold. Kyichu Lhakhang converges old-aged relics and the floor of the main temple which is constructed with wood and decorated with turquoise as well as other priceless stones and gems.
The structure which is close to Kyichu Lhakhang is the Guru Lhakhang consisting of Kurukulla and 5-meter high statue of Guru Rinpoche holding an arrow which is made of flowers and a bow. As soon as you head to the outside of the temple, there will be two orange trees bearing fruits throughout the year. Also, you can see monk houses, prayer wheels, Lenza script on tiny prayer wheels. Kyichu Lhakhang is a place of art and culture which plays an essential role to historians, art connoisseurs and visitors all around the globe. The oldest monastery is a fantastic place for a visit.
Kyichu Lhakhang – Timings and Entry Fee
You can visit Kyichu Lhakhang from Monday to Sunday (9 am – 5 pm). There is no entry fee that you have to pay for a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang. Entrance to all temples and monasteries are totally free, so don't worry too much, enjoy your Bhutan tour packages.
