PROMINENT MONASTERIES

Chimi Lhakhang is a popular Buddhist monastery in Bhutan. It is located near Sopsokha village in the Punakha District of Bhutan. Pilgrims and tourists have to take a stroll for 20 minutes through the beautiful rice and mustard fields to access the monastery. Popularly known as The Fertility Temple, the monastery idyllically stands on a round hillock surrounded by scenic views. Built over half a millennium ago, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

History

Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarchy. The temple wasn’t the first structure on the site, though. It was Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529), the maverick saint (also known as the ‘Divine Madman’) who first built a chorten at this site after blessing it. Legends have it that Lama Kunley blessed the site for the Chimi Lhakhang after subduing the demoness of Dochu La at this particular location. Drukpa Kunley used the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’ to subdue the demon.

Close to the chorten that he built is giant rock, and below it is where the Dochu La demon is trapped. Drukpa Kunley is also given the name ‘Divine Madman’ or ‘Mad Saint’ for his unorthodox methods of teaching ‘Buddhism’. His methods of teaching the religion were marked by humour and many forms of outrageous behaviour. Drukpa Kunley’s ways of teaching Buddhism were shocking and bizarre, with sexual overtones. According to local legends, Drukpa Kunley had supernatural powers and could correctly predict the death of other Lamas.

Temple of Fertility

The Lama is sometimes also referred to as ‘The Saint of 5,000 Women’ due to his truly pleasure-filled lifestyle full of women and wine. He propagates intercourse as a manner to attain enlightenment. That’s the origin of the monastery’s alleged fertility inducing powers. It is said that all those who wish to conceive will receive fertility blessings at the monastery.

The Fertility Temple flocks with thousands of pilgrims who hope to have a child. Others visit the temple seeking blessings or wang from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’ Those with new-born children often visit the local Lama to get their children bestowed with resounding forenames. You can also visit the Lamas even if you are not looking for fertility or blessings of any kind − there’s a lot to learn about the culture and history of the Bhutanese at Chimi Lhakhang.

Phallus Symbols

Chimi Lhakhang is the repository of the original wooden phallus symbol brought by Drukpa Kunley from Tibet. The giant wooden phallus is used to bless the people who visit the monastery, especially women who are looking to conceive. The 25cm (10 inches) wooden phallus has a silver handle and is also said to repel evil eyes and malicious gossip. The phallus is a symbol commonly found throughout the country.

In the village of Sopsokha near the monastery, all the houses bear paintings of phalluses on their exterior walls.

Is there a dress code for visiting Chimi Lhakhang?

Visitors are required to dress modestly when visiting Chimi Lhakhang. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the religious site.

What is the best time of year to visit Chimi Lhakhang?

The best time to visit Chimi Lhakhang is during the spring and autumn months (March to May and September to November) when the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is lush and green.

How do I get to Chimi Lhakhang?

Chimi Lhakhang is accessible by road from Punakha town. Visitors can alight at the trailhead and then hike for about 20-30 minutes through scenic rice fields and villages to reach the temple.

Can visitors receive blessings for fertility at Chimi Lhakhang?

Yes, visitors can receive blessings for fertility at Chimi Lhakhang. The resident monk or lama may perform special rituals and prayers to bless couples seeking fertility.

History of Eutok Samdup Choeling Goenpa

Eutok Samdup Choeling Goenpa was established by Terton Rigzin Jatson Nyingpo in the 15th century and is located in Shaba, Paro Dzongkhag around 3 kms from the Paro Thimphu highway, above the Shaba Primary School. On the right of Eutok Goenpa is the Hephu Thekchen Choeling, Terton Tshering Dorji’s abode and on the left is the Dra Karpo monastery, the holy site of Guru Rimpoche.

According to local folklore, it is said that the lama saw a vision of a lake with a gold pillar in the centre adorned with a mandala of turquoise on top and decided to make this place his abode and named it Eutok Goenpa.

It has its annual prayer ceremony Yutok Mani every year from the 10 – 18th of the 3rd month accompanied by dances of the Dharma protectors. This ceremony is to mark the consecration of the Goenpa by the patron Lama. Eutok Goenpa holds the last of the Tshechus in Paro Dzongkhag. Background

In 2003 the Eutok Goenpa was handed over to the Central Monk body by the community as it was suffering from poor administration and lack of patronage. The earthquake of 2011 further damaged the monastery. In 2012, the current Lama Lam Tshewang Paljor was appointed to the Goenpa. Lam Tshewang garnered the support of the locals and also got the patronage and support from the Royal Grand Mother. He set up a committee comprising of the village headman and influential local people and started the restoration work on the three storied monastery.

Current situation There are close to 50 monks studying and staying in the Goenpa from 6 – 20 years old sponsored by the Royal Grandmother. Lam Tshering has set up a small library for the monks to learn English and has been requesting for assistance to teach the monks the English language.

According to legend, Jampa (Jambay) Temple or Temple of Maitreya in Bumthang is said to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo in 659 AD on a single day. Like Kyichu Lhakhang, it is said that Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built a series of temples in a single day throughout the Himalayas to pin down a demoness who was obstructing the spread of Buddhism.

Four temples were built to pin down her shoulders and hips; four more on the elbows and knees; and four to hold down her hands and feet. It is believed that Jambay Lhakhang was built to pin down the left knee of the demoness. Thus, Jambay Lhakhang remains one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan.

The ancient temple, Jambay Lhakhang sits on a plateau by the Bumthang Chhu River. The temple has been repaired and rebuilt several times over the years. The one-storey temple is also the venue for the popular Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival held annually.

Where is Jambay Lhakhang located?

Jambay Lhakhang is located in the Bumthang Valley of central Bhutan, near the town of Jakar.

About Jambay Lhakhang Drup

Jambay Lhakhang Drup is a four-day festival held to commemorate the building of the temple and in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the 8th-century Buddhist master who consecrated the temple. The festival features masked dances and other ceremonies.

The two key highlights of Jambay Lhakhang Drup is Mewang or Fire Blessing and Tercham or Naked Dance. During the fire blessing ceremony, the gomchens perform purification rituals while all the guests jump over the flames to get themselves purified from their sins. If one is able to jump over the flame three times, he or she is believed to be protected from misfortunes for that entire year. Some also claim that their fire dance is performed to bless infertile women so that they may bear children.

Tercham or Naked Dance is a popular dance among the spectators. Exactly at midnight, there will be sixteen naked men galloping in the air rhythmically with accompanying drums and cymbals. The dance is one of the most revered dances in Bumthang for the locals. The sacred dancers are completely naked except for their faces which are covered in white cloths and masks. And no, you are not allowed to take photographs of the dancers.

It’s believed that Tercham was introduced by the great treasure revealer, Terton Dorji Lingpa. Legend has it that demons delayed the construction of a monastery by destroying it every night, thus, Terton Dorji Lingpa established this dance to distract the demons. Terton Dorji Lingpa then brought the dance to Jambay Lhakhang during its consecration.

The Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival takes place annually around October or November.

Check out the most updated Bhutanese festival calendar.

Can tourists attend the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival?

Yes, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival is open to both locals and tourists. Visitors are welcome to witness the colorful masked dances, receive blessings from the monks, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

Kurjey Lhakhang, is one of the most holy and sacred sites in Bhutan, located in the Bumthang district. Nestled on the side of a hill, surrounded by 108 chorten walls, the complex houses three revered temples, namely: Guru Lhakhang, Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang and Ka Gon Phor Sum Lhakhang.

The structures of the temples are as magnificent as the dzong, ancient fortresses in Bhutan. It has white washed walls with delicate wood carvings and hand paintings.

What does "Kurjey" mean?

During the 8th Century, Sendhu Raja, the king of Bumthang at that time, fell ill. He invited Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan to cure him. Guru Rinpoche found out that the king’s illness was caused by the malevolent actions of the local deities including the powerful Shelging Karpo. Having found the cause of the illness, Guru Rinpoche chased the deities into a cave, and meditated inside for three months. Guru Rinpoche then subdued the deities including the powerful Shelging Karpo and left his body imprint inside the cave, thus, giving the name Kurjey (Body Imprint). Kur means body, Jey is imprint while lhakhang means temple. Beside the monastery is a tall cypress tree that is believed to have sprouted from the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche.

Architecture of Kurjey Lhakhang

The first of the three temples, the Guru Lhakhang, is the oldest and was built in 1652. Tucked just below the caves is a figure of a snow lion with a jachung (also called garuda) above it, which represents the famous struggle between Guru Rinpoche (appearing as the garuda) and the local demon, Shelging Kharpo (as the snow lion). The statue of Shelging Kharpo inside the temple is hidden from view.

At the entrance to the lower-floor of Sangay Lhakhang, there is a small crawl-through rock passage. Bhutanese believe that by crawling through the narrow tunnel, you will leave your sins behind. Behind the statues of the three Buddhas is a secret passageway that is said to have once led to Tharpaling.

The second temple, the Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang, was built by Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan, in 1990 when he was still penlop of Trongsa. It is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru's body and is therefore considered the most holy.

The third temple was built in 1984 by Ashi Kesang Wangchuck, the Queen Mother (Queen to the third king of Bhutan) under the guidance of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

The temple offers a spectacular view of the Bumthang valleys. From Kurjey Lhakhang, you can also explore the mesmerising apple orchards and dairy farms nearby.

About Kurjey Tshechu

Kurjey Lhakhang hosts an annual festival known as the Kurjey Tshechu. This religious festival is held in the tenth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar – typically held in the month of June – and features masked dances (Cham), religious rituals, and cultural performances. The highlight of the festival include religiously significant dances such as Guru Tshengye and Shinjay cham performed by the monks of Kurjey Lhakhang that depicts stories from Buddhist mythology and serves to impart blessings and teachings to the audience.

Kyichu Lhakhang is located in the north of Paro town. It is the oldest and one of the most beautiful temples in Bhutan. It also goes by the names Lho Kyerchu or Kyerchu, and it is considered to be the sacred Jewel of Bhutan. The main temple of Jowo Lhakhang has roots as far back as the 7th century.

The temple was one of the 108 monasteries established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet. 12 of the 108 monasteries were built to pin down a demoness that laid across Tibet and Himalayas who prevented the spread of Buddhism. The twelve monasteries were believed to have been built at the twelve vital points of the demoness to subjugate her and to ensure the propagation of Buddhism. The 108 monasteries were said to be built in one day by artisans who were emanations of King Songtsen Gampo himself.

The original Kyichu Lhakhang was initially small in size but after multiple visits over the years by Buddhist saints, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava was believed to have visited the Kyichu Lhakhang and hidden a variety of treasures in the temple. Guru Padmasambhava hid many spiritual Ters (profound treasures) in Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of the Himalayan region. These treasures were to be discovered at certain times, places and under auspicious circumstances by Tertons (Treasure Revealers). The treasures comprise sacred teachings, statues, or relics, which would greatly benefit sentient beings at the time of discovery.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal took over the temple in 1674. The temple was later reconstructed in the year 1836-1838 by the 25th Je Khenpo Sherab Gyaltshen. In 1968, a new structure of the temple was built and named Guru Lhakang. The extension was made by the Royal Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck. Other Buddhist Saints that visited Kyichu Lhakhang temple for prayers also created an impact by expanding the temple. The prominent Buddhist saints who visited the temple in the 8th century were Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, Lam Kha Nga and Guru Rinpoche.

Highlights of Kyichu Lhakhang

As one walks toward Kyichu Lhakhang, the environment is quiet and serene. The ancient monastery is a fantastic place where you will find elderly pilgrims circumambulating around the temple as they spin the prayer wheels.

Inside the inner courtyard, there is a painting of the King named Gesar of Ling on the wall just near the entrance. The king was a renowned warrior in Tibet, and his epic poem is the longest in the world according to history.

The Kyichu Lhakang conceals the statue of Jowo Jamba originally from the 7th century. The icon is one of the greatest treasures of the valley. There is also another statue of Chenrezig outside the shrine that has 1000 arms and 11 heads. There is the wooden floor that has grooves worn by the generations of prostrators. The main entrance door is coated with gold. Kyichu Lhakhang holds ancient relics and the floor of the main temple constructed with wood decorated with turquoise and other precious stones and gems.

The structure next to Kyichu Lhakhang is the Guru Lhakhang which consists of Kurukulla and a 5-meter high statue of Guru Rinpoche holding an arrow made of flowers and a bow. On the outside of the temple, there are two orange magical trees that bear fruits throughout the year. There are also monk houses, prayer wheels, Lenza script on tiny prayer wheels.

Kyichu Lhakhang is a place of art and culture that is very important to historians, art connoisseurs and visitors all around the globe. This ancient monastery is a popular tourist spot for visitors. Sometimes, travellers even meditate at the temple.

Can visitors receive blessings or participate in religious rituals at Kyichu Lhakhang?

Yes, visitors are welcome to receive blessings from the resident monks and participate in religious rituals such as lighting butter lamps, circumambulating the temple, or making offerings at the shrines.

What is the best time of year to visit Kyichu Lhakhang?

The best time to visit Kyichu Lhakhang is during the spring and autumn months (March to May and September to November) when the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is lush and green. Find out the best time to visit Bhutan.

Find out what are the other popular tourist attractions in Paro.

Tango Goemba is a Buddhist monastery situated near the scenic Cheri Mountains in Bhutan. The monastery is just 9 miles (14 km) north of the country’s capital city, Thimphu. Tango Goemba has a rich history and is one of the highest Buddhist learning centres in Bhutan. A vast majority of religious leaders — locally known as Je Khenpo —in the country have gone through a nine-year training program at this particular monastery.

History of Tango Goempa

Tango Goemba has been in existence for hundreds of years. The monastery was founded in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. The monastery was, however, constructed to its current form by the Temporal Ruler, Tenzin Rabgye in 1688. Lama Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal paid a visit to the Tango Goemba in 1616. The Tibetan was a descendant of Lama Drukpa Kunley (popularly known as the ‘divine madman’). He is said to have introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Religious Significance

Deified in the monastery is the self-emanated manifestation of the vengeful Hayagriva. The name ‘Tango’ translates to ‘horse head’ in Bhutanese. Bhutanese religious leaders, Je Khenpo, are taught at the Tango Goemba. After completing their training, the monks spend 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days at the nearby Cheri Goemba retreat. It was during his visit to the Cheri Goemba that PhajoDrugomZhigpo, one of the founders of the teachings of Dodeyna heard neighs coming from the direction of the monastery. At the same time, he observed a Hayagriva or ‘horse head’ surrounded by a blaze (which is believed to be the manifestation of god Tandin). The self-emanation of the wrathful horse head or Hayagriva is prophesied in Tibet. That’s the origin of the monastery’s religious significance. Many local legends consider the Tango Goemba a holy place. Ngawang Tenzin is said to have acclaimed the divine nature of Tango Goemba.

Festivals Held at Tango Monastery

One of the many important festivals held in the monastery is the Yarney, a monk summer retreat held on the 15th day of the 6th month of the Bhutanese calendar. The ‘Yarney’ is a festival for the monks and loosely translates to ‘a summer stay.’ During the festival, the monks wear the ceremonial yellow robes and observe the strictest monastic disciplines and special vows. The Yarney festival lasts for one and a half months.

Architecture of Tango Goemba

The Tango Goemba has a prominent main tower with recesses. The outside wall has a characteristic curved (semi-circular) wall. The structure is built in a Dzong fashion. The site of the monastery used to be a cave where saints performed miracles and other religious activities such as meditation. The monastery covers these caves, and you will find engraved slates behind the prayer wheels inside the monastery. Just outside the Tango Goemba is a courtyard with a gallery with illustrations of the leaders of the Drukpa Kagyupa lineage.

Temples Inside Tango Monastery

Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyein directed the construction of the 12-cornered monastery. The structure was built within a period of two months. The Tango Goemba has six temples in total, including Trulku Lhakhang, Longku Lhakhang, Choeku Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, Namsey Lhakhang, and Gonkhang. The statues in each of these temples are made of gold and copper. The monastery, which is currently under renovation, has three floors.