Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, Paro, Bhutan

Nestled in the serene Paro Valley of Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the country’s oldest and most sacred temples.

Believed to have been built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, it is part of a network of 108 temples constructed to subdue a demoness whose body was said to be sprawled across the Himalayas, obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Kyichu Lhakhang is thought to pin down her left foot, while the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa anchors her heart. This mystical origin story gives the temple a deep spiritual resonance for Bhutanese Buddhists and pilgrims from across the region.

Over the centuries, Kyichu Lhakhang has been expanded and restored by various spiritual figures and Bhutanese royalty. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava visited the temple and is believed to have hidden sacred treasures within its walls. Later, in the 20th century, Queen Kesang Choden Wangchuck commissioned the construction of an adjacent Guru Lhakhang, further enriching the site’s spiritual and architectural legacy. The temple complex now includes ornate murals, prayer wheels, and statues of revered deities, including a 7th-century image of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha and a striking Chenrezig figure with 1,000 arms and 11 heads.

Architecturally, Kyichu Lhakhang is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese design. Its golden-roofed shrine, intricately carved wooden floors, and turquoise-inlaid altars evoke a sense of timeless devotion. The courtyard is often filled with elderly pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras, while two orange trees—said to bear fruit year-round—add a touch of natural magic to the sacred space. The temple’s peaceful ambiance and rich symbolism make it a haven for meditation, reflection, and spiritual connection.

Visitors to Kyichu Lhakhang are welcomed daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and there is no entry fee. Whether you're drawn by its ancient legends, its artistic beauty, or its spiritual significance, Kyichu Lhakhang offers a profound glimpse into Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage and the enduring power of sacred spaces. It’s not just a monument—it’s a living testament to centuries of faith, resilience, and reverence.

Entering the temple gate
The entrance gate to a temple or monastery is far more than a physical threshold—it is a symbolic passage from the mundane world into a sacred realm.

Architecturally and spiritually, it marks the transition from samsara (the cycle of suffering and rebirth) to the path of liberation. Often adorned with protective deities, auspicious symbols, and intricate carvings, the gate serves as a guardian of the sacred space within. It invites practitioners to leave behind worldly distractions and enter with reverence, mindfulness, and intention. In many traditions, passing through the gate is likened to entering a mandala—a sacred diagram representing the universe—where each step inward is a movement toward spiritual awakening.
The gate also embodies the principle of purification. Before stepping inside, devotees may perform rituals such as prostrations, mantra recitations, or circumambulations to cleanse their body, speech, and mind. This act of preparation reflects the Vajrayana emphasis on transforming ordinary perception into enlightened awareness. The gate thus becomes a liminal space—neither fully worldly nor fully divine—where the practitioner begins to shift their consciousness and align with the temple’s spiritual energy.
At Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most revered temples in the Himalayas, the entrance gate carries profound historical and spiritual weight. Built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, the temple is said to pin down the left foot of a demoness whose body sprawled across the Himalayas, obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Entering through its gate is not just a physical act—it is a symbolic reenactment of subduing ignorance and opening oneself to the Dharma. The gate leads to a courtyard where two orange trees, believed to bear fruit year-round, stand as living symbols of spiritual abundance and timeless vitality.
The gate at Kyichu Lhakhang also frames the experience of encountering the sacred Jowo Sakyamuni statue within, a revered image of the historical Buddha that radiates serenity and wisdom. As pilgrims pass through, they are enveloped by centuries of devotion, ritual, and myth. The gate becomes a portal into Bhutan’s spiritual heart—a place where the past and present converge, and where each visitor is invited to step into a deeper relationship with the sacred. It’s not just an entrance—it’s an initiation.

Temple seen from the entrance gate

Panorama of the courtyard in front of the temple
The courtyard in front of Kyichu Lhakhang exudes a quiet reverence that mirrors the temple’s ancient spiritual legacy.

As one approaches the temple, the courtyard opens up like a sacred threshold. But it’s the center of this courtyard that draws the eye and stirs curiosity: a low mound of black stone slabs, carefully arranged to conceal and protect ancient stone structures beneath. These hidden relics are thought to be remnants of Bhutan’s earliest Buddhist foundations, possibly dating back to the temple’s original construction in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Encircling this mound is a protective wooden wall, weathered by time yet lovingly maintained. The wall serves not only as a physical barrier but as a spiritual boundary, preserving the sanctity of the structures within. On the side facing the temple, a small altar is built into the wooden enclosure—modest yet meaningful. Here, pilgrims and visitors place candles, butter lamps, and offerings, their flickering flames casting a gentle glow on the aged wood. This quiet ritual space invites reflection and reverence, linking the ancient stones to the living faith of those who come to pay homage.
Opposite the temple, near the far edge of the courtyard, stands a tall flagpole bearing a long, flowing prayer flag. Towering above the surrounding structures, the flag dances in the mountain breeze, its colors vibrant against the sky. In Bhutanese tradition, such flags are inscribed with sacred mantras and prayers, believed to carry blessings across the land as they flutter. The placement of this flagpole—near the ancient mound but facing away from the temple—suggests a symbolic balance between past and present, between the grounded relics of history and the soaring aspirations of spiritual devotion.
Together, these elements—the black slab-covered mound, the wooden enclosure with its candle-lit altar, and the towering prayer flag—form a quiet constellation of sacred symbols within the courtyard. They speak not only to the temple’s storied past but to the enduring rituals that continue to breathe life into its stones. It’s a space where history is not just preserved, but actively honored, one candle and one prayer at a time.

Panorama of the temple facade

Windows and doors framed by intricately carved and painted wooden borders
In Bhutanese architecture, windows and doors framed by intricately carved and painted wooden borders are more than decorative elements—they are expressions of cultural identity, spiritual symbolism, and artisanal mastery.

These frames often feature vibrant floral motifs, auspicious symbols, and mythical creatures, painted in traditional hues of red, gold, blue, and green. The floral patterns, in particular, represent purity, growth, and the blossoming of spiritual insight. Each motif is carefully chosen to harmonize with the building’s purpose, whether it’s a home, monastery, or temple, and the craftsmanship reflects Bhutan’s deep reverence for beauty and meaning in everyday life.
The wooden frames are typically constructed using traditional joinery techniques, often without nails or screws, relying instead on interlocking components that showcase the ingenuity of Bhutanese carpentry. Artisans carve the frames with motifs such as lotus flowers, clouds, and the endless knot—symbols that evoke Buddhist teachings and cosmic harmony. These frames are then painted with mineral-based pigments that withstand the region’s climate while preserving their vividness for decades. The result is a fusion of function and artistry: windows and doors that protect and ventilate, while also inviting contemplation and reverence.
At Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, the windows and doors exemplify this tradition at its most refined. The temple’s small arched windows are framed with delicately carved wood, painted in floral and symbolic patterns that echo the temple’s spiritual purpose. These frames not only enhance the temple’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as visual prayers—each petal and curve a gesture of devotion. The doors, similarly adorned, mark the passage into a sacred space, inviting visitors to leave behind worldly concerns and enter a realm of tranquility and spiritual depth.
The floral motifs at Kyichu Lhakhang are especially poignant given the temple’s legendary origins and its role in subduing negative energies. Just as the temple itself is said to pin down the left foot of a demoness to allow Buddhism to flourish, the blooming patterns on its windows and doors symbolize the blossoming of wisdom and compassion. In this way, the architecture becomes a living mandala—an embodiment of sacred geometry and spiritual intention—where even the smallest details carry profound meaning.

Temple entrance door
The entrance door to a temple or monastery is not merely a physical gateway—it is a profound symbol of transition, purification, and spiritual readiness.

Passing through it marks the movement from the ordinary world of samsara into a consecrated space where the Dharma is practiced and realized. The door often features intricate carvings, protective deities, and auspicious symbols such as the eight auspicious signs (Ashtamangala), each representing aspects of the Buddha’s teachings. These elements serve both as guardians and guides, reminding practitioners to enter with humility, mindfulness, and a heart open to transformation.
Spiritually, the entrance door represents the threshold between ignorance and awakening. In Vajrayana, which emphasizes esoteric practices and rapid paths to enlightenment, this threshold is especially potent. Before entering, devotees may perform prostrations, recite mantras, or engage in visualization practices to purify their body, speech, and mind. The door thus becomes a ritual boundary—a liminal space where the practitioner symbolically sheds worldly attachments and prepares to engage with the sacred. It is also likened to the gateway of a mandala, where each step inward corresponds to deeper levels of spiritual realization.
At Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most revered temples in the Himalayas, the entrance door carries centuries of spiritual weight. Believed to have been built in the 7th century to pin down the left foot of a demoness obstructing the spread of Buddhism, the temple itself is a geomantic anchor of sacred energy. The entrance door, gilded and adorned with traditional Bhutanese motifs, invites pilgrims into a space that has been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and generations of spiritual masters. It is said that the grooves in the temple’s wooden floor—worn by centuries of prostrations—begin just beyond this door, underscoring its role as a portal to devotion.
Facing the entrance, one is greeted not only by the temple’s architectural beauty but by its spiritual resonance. The door opens into a courtyard where prayer wheels spin and orange trees bloom year-round—symbols of continuous spiritual vitality. Just beyond lies the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, radiating serenity and wisdom. In this way, the entrance door at Kyichu Lhakhang is not just a passage—it is an initiation into Bhutan’s living Buddhist heritage, a moment where myth, ritual, and personal intention converge.

Stupas and prayer wheels at the entrance to the temple's inner courtyard
Stupas and prayer wheels are not merely architectural or ritual objects—they are profound embodiments of the path to enlightenment.

A stupa, often called a chorten in Bhutan, symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightened mind and the entire structure is a mandala in three dimensions. Its base represents the earth element and moral foundation, the dome symbolizes water and the vastness of compassion, the spire embodies fire and spiritual energy, and the parasol and jewel at the top signify air, space, and ultimate wisdom. Circumambulating a stupa is a meditative act of purification and merit-making, aligning body, speech, and mind with the Dharma.
Prayer wheels, meanwhile, are dynamic expressions of mantra practice. Each wheel contains thousands—sometimes millions—of scrolls printed with sacred mantras, most commonly Om Mani Padme Hum, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Spinning the wheel clockwise is believed to release the blessings of the mantras into the world, multiplying their spiritual benefit. This practice is especially potent in Vajrayana, where visualization, sound, and movement are integrated to accelerate spiritual transformation. The act of turning a prayer wheel is likened to reciting the mantra countless times, making it accessible even to those who cannot read or chant.
At Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, stupas and prayer wheels are woven seamlessly into the spiritual landscape. The temple’s courtyard is encircled by rows of prayer wheels, which devotees spin as they circumambulate the temple, often while softly chanting or in silent contemplation. These wheels are inscribed with mantras in Lenza script and are said to radiate blessings to all beings. Nearby, stupas of various styles—including commemorative chortens—stand as silent sentinels of the Dharma, each representing key events in the Buddha’s life or aspects of enlightened activity. Their presence reinforces the temple’s role as a geomantic anchor and a gateway to awakening.
Together, these sacred forms at Kyichu Lhakhang create a living mandala—a field of spiritual energy where every gesture, every turn of the wheel, and every step around a stupa becomes an offering. They invite practitioners into a rhythm of devotion that transcends words, linking the ancient with the present, and the individual with the universal. In this way, Kyichu Lhakhang is not just a place of worship—it is a spiritual engine, quietly turning the wheel of compassion for Bhutan and beyond.

Panorama of the temple's inner courtyard
The inner courtyard of Kyichu Lhakhang is a serene and spiritually charged space that bridges the ancient sanctity of the temple with the quiet rhythms of daily devotion.

As one passes through the gilded entrance door, the courtyard opens into a tranquil enclosure framed by prayer wheels and cloisters. It is here that pilgrims and monks alike engage in circumambulation, spinning the wheels in silent prayer, their footsteps echoing on the worn wooden floor—grooved by centuries of prostrations. The courtyard is not only a physical center of the temple but also a symbolic heart, where the sacred and the natural coexist in quiet harmony.
Among the most cherished features of this courtyard are two orange trees that have become legendary in Bhutanese lore. These trees are believed to bear fruit throughout the year, defying seasonal cycles and embodying the temple’s spiritual vitality. Their presence is seen as a sign of Kyichu Lhakhang’s blessings and divine energy, and many visitors pause beneath their branches to reflect or offer prayers. The trees are not only botanical anomalies but spiritual symbols—living testaments to the temple’s enduring grace and the benevolence of the deities enshrined within.
The courtyard also houses a mural of King Gesar of Ling, a Tibetan warrior-king whose epic tale is said to be the longest poem in the world. This artwork, positioned near the entrance, adds a mythic dimension to the space, reminding visitors of the temple’s deep cultural and spiritual roots. Nearby, the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni—believed to date back to the 7th century—resides within the inner sanctum, radiating a quiet majesty that draws pilgrims from across Bhutan and beyond.
Together, the orange trees, prayer wheels, and sacred relics transform the courtyard into a living mandala—a space where nature, devotion, and history converge. It is a place of quiet miracles, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where each breath taken beneath the fruit-laden branches feels like a blessing. In the stillness of Kyichu Lhakhang’s courtyard, one senses not only the weight of centuries but the gentle pulse of timeless compassion.

Portico giving access to the Guru Temple (right) and the Old Jowo Temple (left)
Kyichu Lhakhang is a sacred site that embodies both ancient spiritual legacy and modern devotion.

The original temple, known as the Old Jowo Temple, was built in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 geomantic temples he commissioned to subdue a demoness believed to be obstructing the spread of Buddhism across the Himalayas. Kyichu Lhakhang was strategically placed to pin down her left foot, making it a vital spiritual anchor. The temple houses the revered statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, and its sanctum has been blessed by Padmasambhava and other great masters over the centuries.
The Old Jowo Temple is considered one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred structures. Over time, it has undergone restorations and expansions, yet it retains its original spiritual potency. Its wooden floors are worn smooth by generations of prostrating pilgrims, and its walls are adorned with murals and relics that reflect Bhutan’s deep Buddhist heritage. The temple’s architecture and layout follow traditional Himalayan styles, with a central shrine, prayer wheels, and stupas that invite circumambulation and contemplation.
In 1971, Queen Kesang Choden Wangchuck added a new dimension to Kyichu Lhakhang’s spiritual landscape by commissioning the construction of the Guru Temple. Built adjacent to the Old Jowo Temple, this newer structure was consecrated by the revered master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The Guru Temple houses a striking five-meter statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), along with representations of Kurukulla (Red Tara) and other tantric deities. It was created to host annual rites of great accomplishment for Vajrasattva, Palchen Heruka, and Vajrakilaya, and continues to serve as a center for esoteric Vajrayana practices.
Together, the Old Jowo Temple and the Guru Temple form a spiritual continuum—one rooted in ancient geomancy and the other in contemporary devotion. Their coexistence within Kyichu Lhakhang reflects Bhutan’s reverence for tradition while embracing the evolving expressions of faith. Pilgrims visiting the site often move seamlessly between the two temples, experiencing a journey that spans centuries of Buddhist wisdom and blessings.

Panorama of the temple's inner courtyard seen from the portico

Another panorama of the temple's inner courtyard seen from the entrance door

Panorama of the temple facade seen from the south

Southwest side of the circumambulation path around the temple

Pavilion with large prayer wheels
Large prayer wheels—often called mani dungkhor—are powerful instruments of devotion and spiritual transformation.

These cylindrical wheels, inscribed with sacred mantras such as Om Mani Padme Hum, are believed to embody the teachings of the Buddha in motion. Spinning them clockwise is considered equivalent to reciting the mantras aloud, releasing their blessings into the world and generating merit for the practitioner. The act of turning the wheel symbolizes the turning of the Dharma—the path toward enlightenment—and reflects the cyclical nature of existence, from samsara to liberation.
Spiritually, large prayer wheels serve as accessible gateways to practice for all beings, including those who may not be literate or able to chant. Their presence near temples and monasteries invites both laypeople and monks to engage in a tactile form of meditation, aligning body, speech, and mind with the Dharma. The repetitive motion of spinning the wheel cultivates mindfulness and compassion, while the internal scrolls—often containing thousands or even millions of mantras—amplify the spiritual potency of each revolution. In Vajrayana, where visualization and ritual are central, the prayer wheel becomes a living mandala, radiating blessings in all directions.
At Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, the large prayer wheels are woven seamlessly into the temple’s spiritual landscape. Positioned near the entrance and along the courtyard, they are spun by pilgrims as they circumambulate the temple, often in quiet reverence or soft chant. These wheels are inscribed in Lenza script and are said to carry the blessings of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Their rhythmic turning echoes the centuries of devotion that have shaped Kyichu Lhakhang, reinforcing its role as a geomantic anchor and a sanctuary of spiritual vitality.
The prayer wheels at Kyichu Lhakhang are not just ritual objects—they are spiritual engines. Each spin is a gesture of offering, a movement of intention, and a ripple of compassion sent into the world. They connect the ancient with the present, the visible with the invisible, and the individual with the universal. In their quiet revolutions, they embody the essence of Vajrayana: transformation through sacred action, and awakening through devotion.