Ever wondered about the secret weapon against a demoness? Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro is more than just a temple. It is a testament to faith and history.
Welcome to Kyichu Lhakhang. Some say it is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Others claim it is among the oldest. Regardless, its story is captivating.
Legend says that in the 7th century, a giant demoness blocked the spread of Buddhism. She lay across Tibet and the Himalayas. To subdue her, King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet built 108 temples in a single day. Artisans were said to be emanations of the king himself. Kyichu Lhakhang was built on the demoness’ left foot. It pinned her down. This allowed Buddhism to flourish.
Originally, Kyichu Lhakhang was a small structure. Over time, Buddhist saints expanded it. The temple grew in grandeur. Guru Padmasambhava visited in the 8th century. He hid treasures within its walls. These treasures were spiritual Ters. They would be revealed later by Tertons. These treasures included sacred teachings and relics.
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal took over the temple in 1674. Reconstruction occurred between 1836 and 1838. The 25th Je Khenpo Sherab Gyaltshen oversaw it. In 1968, the Royal Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck added a new structure. It was named Guru Lhakang.
As you approach Kyichu Lhakhang, notice the serene environment. Elderly pilgrims walk around the temple. They spin the prayer wheels quietly. Inside the courtyard, a mural depicts King Gesar of Ling. He was a warrior. His epic poem is the longest in history.
Inside Kyichu Lhakhang stands a statue of Jowo Jamba. It dates back to the 7th century. It is one of the valley’s greatest treasures. Another statue depicts Chenrezig. This all-knowing deity embodies compassion. It has 11 heads and 1000 arms. The wooden floor shows wear from centuries of worship. The main entrance door is coated in gold.
Next to Kyichu Lhakhang is Guru Lhakhang. It features Kurukulla. There is a 5-meter high statue of Guru Rinpoche. He holds a flower arrow and bow. Outside, two orange trees bear fruit year-round. Monks’ houses and prayer wheels dot the landscape. Tiny prayer wheels display Lenza script.
Visitors are welcome to receive blessings. They can participate in religious rituals. Lighting butter lamps is common. You can circumambulate the temple. Making offerings at the shrines is also possible.
Kyichu Lhakhang is more than just a temple. It represents Bhutan’s history. It embodies the unwavering faith of its people. Its story is etched in every stone. It is whispered in every prayer. As you leave, carry its serenity with you. Remember the demoness subdued. Remember the treasures hidden. Remember Kyichu Lhakhang.