Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is close to the Paro Airport. One of Bhutan’s
oldest religious sites built in the seventh century. This temple
is one of 108 built by King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness
who prevented the spread of Buddhism. Temples were built across
the Himalayas to pin her body down. Kyichu Lhakhang pins down
her left foot and Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang her left knee. Guru
Rimpoche came here to meditate in the eighth century. Pilgrims
turn the many prayer wheels along the walls as they
circumnambulate the temple. The fine statues of the Bodhisattvas
and the Buddha are national treasures. The wooden floor of the
sanctum is inlaid with turquoise and coral gemstones offered by
pilgrims.
A second temple built by the Queen Mother in 1968 hosts the
annual Drupchen prayers held to ensure the well being of the
county and the King. The late Dilgo Khentse Rimpoche presided
over these ceremonies. Across from Kyichu Lhakhang is
Sangchoekor Monastery the seat of the Speech Incarnation of the
Shabdrung and a fine example of Bhutanese architecture.
