kurje lhakhang

Kurje Lhakhang, also known as Kurjey Monastery, is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan, located in the Bumthang Valley. The monastery is deeply connected to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the Buddhist master who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The name "Kurje" translates to "Body Imprint", referring to the imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body left on a rock inside the monastery.

The monastery complex consists of three temples:

Guru Lhakhang – The oldest temple, built in 1652, houses the sacred rock with Guru Rinpoche’s imprint.

Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang – Built in 1900 by Ugyen Wangchuck, the first King of Bhutan.

Ka Gon Phor Sum Lhakhang – Constructed in 1984 by Ashi Kesang Wangchuck, the Queen Mother.

The monastery is surrounded by 108 chortens (stupas) and features stunning Dzong-style architecture, with whitewashed walls, intricate wood carvings, and sacred murals. A tall cypress tree near the monastery is believed to have grown from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick.

Kurje Lhakhang hosts the Kurjey Tshechu, an annual religious festival featuring masked dances (Cham) and rituals, typically held in June.