The mere existence of some of the oldest temples in the world is a testament to the unending desire of mankind to seek the reassurance of a higher power or deity for the meaning and purpose of life. One civilisation after another constructed temples and other places of worship to venerate their faith and the remains of these structures are visited by thousands every year. The Luxor Temple dedicated to Amun, Chons and Mut, three Egyptian Gods, is found on the banks of the Nile and is believed to have been constructed in 1400 BC. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is yet another example in Egypt that worships Amun and is truly a sight to behold. Some of the oldest temples in the world include the Temple of Seti I, the Ggantija Temples in Malta and even Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, which is believed by some to have been the religious center of an old civilisation. In South Asia, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples which can be visited by those staying in hotels in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s immense natural beauty and rich culture has begun to attract tourists annually, though the country attempts to regulate its visitors. For those who are successful in entering Bhutan, COMO Shambhala is an accommodation option that can allow access to landmarks such as Kyichu Lhakhang and Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Kyichu Lhakhang is a 7th century Buddhist Temple in Paro and was built by Songstan Gampo, a Tibetan Emperor. The Temple is one of the oldest in the country and has a strong affiliation to the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and is home to a statue of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche who was revered and passed away in 1992 while a number of additions were made to the temple subsequent to its construction, such as the Golden Roof. The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the two main temples that must be visited when in Bhutan.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
