Jambay Lhakhang
13 images 1 contributors Shoot with care
Sue Wolfe
Shoot with care
This is one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan--be respectful of the pilgrims that visit the temple.
About this spot
Jambay Temple was built in 659 and is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Legend has it that Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo constructed 108 temples, all in one day, to defeat an ogress. Each temple was built on a different body part—Jambay Temple was erected on her left knee. Besides conquering the demoness, the temples helped spread Buddhism over the Himalayas. Of the 108 temples, only a few remain.
The one-story ancient temple is located near the Bumthang Chhu (river). While visiting you will see pilgrims practicing circumambulation—walking in a circle around a sacred object. Buddhists walk clockwise to show devotion, cultivate their minds, and accumulate merit. The main relics include the Future Buddha and more than one hundred statues of the gods of Kalachakra.
The temple is famous for its annual festival held in October/November. There are several dances performed, but two are considered sacred. The Mewang (Fire Ritual) blesses barren women in the hopes they may later have children. The Ter Chham (Naked Dance) is performed by 16 naked men on the stroke of midnight to ward off evil spirits [no photography allowed].
The one-story ancient temple is located near the Bumthang Chhu (river). While visiting you will see pilgrims practicing circumambulation—walking in a circle around a sacred object. Buddhists walk clockwise to show devotion, cultivate their minds, and accumulate merit. The main relics include the Future Buddha and more than one hundred statues of the gods of Kalachakra.
The temple is famous for its annual festival held in October/November. There are several dances performed, but two are considered sacred. The Mewang (Fire Ritual) blesses barren women in the hopes they may later have children. The Ter Chham (Naked Dance) is performed by 16 naked men on the stroke of midnight to ward off evil spirits [no photography allowed].
Join PhotoHound to learn how, where and when to capture amazing photos here
- Know the best times, seasons & shooting conditions
- Detailed directions - maps, co-ordinates and directions
- Know how to get there - where to park or how to reach there using public transport
- Browse inspirational photos and learn how they were taken - see the EXIF details
- Bookmark your favourite spots for future reference
- Know exactly when to shoot for beautiful photographs - sunrise, sunset, blue hour and astrophotography
- Detailed, 7-day weather forecast at this location
- Share your images with like-minded travel photographers
