Dungtse Lhakhang
Paro
Dungtse Lhakhang, also known as Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, is a distinctive Buddhist temple located on a hill between the Paro and Dopshari valleys in western Bhutan. Built in the form of a chorten, a rare architectural style for temples in Bhutan, it stands as a unique mandala with three floors representing hell, earth, and heaven. The temple houses an extensive collection of Buddhist paintings and iconography linked to the Drukpa Kagyu school, including depictions of the Five Buddhas of Meditation, Avalokiteshvara, Guru Rinpoche, and various tantric deities. Its steep ladders lead visitors through richly adorned interiors featuring wrathful and peaceful deities, Bardo imagery, and statues of revered saints like Milarepa. The temple's location on a geomantic promontory between two rivers adds to its spiritual significance. Its architecture and iconography make it a rare and profound repository of Tibetan Buddhist art and teachings, attracting pilgrims and visitors interested in Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the temple's intricate paintings and architecture. The temple is accessible via the road to the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro. Advance planning is recommended as the temple has steep ladders and multiple floors, which may require moderate physical effort. While no specific ticketing information is provided, supporting local conservation efforts is encouraged. The best time to visit is during dry seasons for comfortable access and clear views.
Faits intéressants
- •Dungtse Lhakhang is one of the few temples in Bhutan built in the form of a chorten, a stupa-like structure.
- •The temple's three floors represent different spiritual realms: hell, earth, and heaven, reflecting a mandala concept.
- •It contains a vast collection of Buddhist iconography rivaling major Tibetan monasteries, including depictions of tantric deities and revered saints.
- •The temple was built to subdue a serpentine force or demoness believed to inhabit the hill it stands on.
- •Thangtong Gyalpo, the temple's founder, was also famous for constructing eight iron bridges in Bhutan.
Histoire
Dungtse Lhakhang was constructed in 1421 by the Tibetan lama Thangtong Gyalpo, renowned for building iron bridges in Bhutan.
Its chorten form was intended to immobilize demons and symbolize the triumph of Buddhism.
In 1841, the temple was restored by the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyeltsen, with help from local villagers who were honored by having their names carved on the ground floor columns.
The temple stands near an older 7th-century temple linked to Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, highlighting the area's long spiritual heritage.
Guide du lieu
Ground Floor1421
Houses the Five Buddhas of Meditation and forms of Avalokiteshvara, Guru Rinpoche, and Thangtong Gyalpo, serving as the foundation of the temple's spiritual symbolism.
Second Floor1421
Features depictions of Mahakala on the outer walls and the Bardo, the intermediary state between death and rebirth, on the interior walls. This floor illustrates the transition between life and afterlife.
Third Floor1421
Dedicated to tantric deities, including Guhyasamaja, Vajrabhairava, Cakrasamvara, Hevajra, Kalacakra, Vajravarahi, Hayagriva, and Mahamaya. The interior walls depict 84 Indian and Tibetan saints such as Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa, reflecting advanced Buddhist teachings.