Brief Background

The main Shrine inside the Temple, is Jowo Khang is one of the oldest and sacred temples in Bhutan and was built in the 7th century by Songtsengampo, the first Buddhist king of Tibet. He has built 108 temples in a night and of 108 2 are in Bhutan; one is Kyichu in Paro and the other Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang.

Later in it was extended by 25th Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) Sherab Gyeltshen reconstructed by extending the original Temple. And in 971, Kesang Choden Wangchuck, the queen of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck built a Guru Temple next to the old Jowo Temple which was consecrated by Dilgo Khyentse. Ever since then the annual rites of great accomplishment for the deities Vajrasattva, Palchen Heruka, and Vajrakilaya have been held in this temple for the well-being of the country under the patronage of Kesang Choden Wangchuck.

There is a belief that the two orange trees in the courtyard of Kyichu Lhakhang bear fruit throughout the year.

Inside Kyichu Lhakhang

At Kyichu Lhakhang there are 2 temples. The one that dates back to the 7th-century houses the Buddha in Jowo form (Buddha as a prince) which is pretty similar to one at Lhasa in Tibet. Towards the left and right of Buddha are the 8 bodhisattvas. And there is also a statue of the god of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, and Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

The next temple is constructed by Royal Grand Mother which houses a big statue of Guru Padmasambhava and towards the left and right are the Tibetan King Drisong Duetsen and Abbot Santaraksita(Khenpo Bodhisattva).

Visitors Information

Open: Every day from 08:00 to 17:00 in summer and 08:00 to 16:00 in winter.

Lunch Break: 13-14 hrs

Dress Code: Need formal dress

Entry Fee:Nu. 1000 (Roughly USD 12)

Photography:Photography is allowed till courtyard