Kyichu Lhakhang One of the Oldest Temples in Bhutan
Bhutan is one of the most intriguing nations and has a history that is steeped in Buddhism. There are many striking temples in the nation, but one of the most remarkable is Kyichu Lhakhang.
Background
Kyichu Lhakhang is situated in the Paro district of Bhutan, it is one of the most culturally significant and historic places in the nation. It is the oldest temple in the nation, and many consider it as also being the most beautiful.
History
Legend has it that the temple was built sometime during the 5th century by King Songsten Gampo who founded the Tibetan Empire. According to popular myth, the purpose of the temple was to immobilise a giant ogress that was preventing the spread of Buddhism in the region.
Inside the Temple
It is believed that one of the incarnations of the Buddha, Padhmasambhava, visited this temple and left behind many spiritual treasures. Kyichu Lhakhang contains the remains of many notable figures such as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who was a Buddhist master and spiritual teacher to the Queen Mother at the time.
An Essential Experience
This temple is an integral part of the nation’s heritage, and is an absolutely spectacular sight and experience. It’s also centrally located, making it close to the nation’s only international airport and many popular places such as COMO Uma Paro one of the nation’s luxury hotels and a Bhutan luxury spa.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.
