Dungtse Lhakhang

Dungtse Lhakhang is a historic Buddhist temple located in the town of Paro, Bhutan. It is known for its unique architectural style and intricate paintings, making it a popular destination for tourists and art enthusiasts.

The temple was built in the 15th century by the famous Bhutanese saint, Thangtong Gyalpo. It is designed in the shape of a chorten or stupa, with three floors that represent the three spiritual realms of Buddhism: Hell, Earth, and Heaven. The temple’s exterior is adorned with colorful paintings of animals, deities, and other Buddhist symbols.

Inside, the temple is home to a large statue of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan. The walls and ceilings are covered with intricate paintings that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and teachings.

Visitors can explore the temple’s three floors, each representing a different aspect of Buddhist philosophy. The ground floor represents the underworld, where visitors can see a statue of the protector deity Mahakala. The second floor represents the earthly realm, where visitors can see paintings depicting the life of Buddha. The top floor represents the heavenly realm, where visitors can see the statue of Guru Rinpoche and admire the intricate ceiling paintings.

Dungtse Lhakhang is open to visitors year-round, and admission fees apply. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple and may not take photographs inside the building.