Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang

Unlike most of the Buddhist temples in Bhutan, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang is known for its distinguished architecture. Located on the edge of a picturesque hill between Paro Valley and Dopchari Valley, this temple is built in the form of a chorten, which is a very rare sighiting in the Happiest Himlayan Kingdom. Even the visuals, shapes and icons depicted around the chorten is very unique and belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism.

According to the legends, a siant named Thangtong Gyalpo built this temple in 1421 to vanquish an evil serpentine force. Other legends have it that Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhanghas been built on the head of a demonees. Another popular legend say that this devout Buddhist temple was founded on the nose of a hill that resembles the shape of a frog to subdue ‘Sadag’; or earth-owning spirit) and an evil naga spirit called Lunyen.

Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang sits on the other side of the Paro Chhu River opposite to the Paro town, and can be reached via a suspension bridge over the river. A three-storied building, its floors is a depiction of hell, heaven and earth. The ground floor has five Buddha statues in meditation position. The second floor has depiction of Mahakala and images of numerous other deities, and depictions of the stages between life and death. The top floor of Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang there are the Tantric deities with the exterior walls with several tantras embellish on them.