Item: Architecture

Jangsa Lhakhang ; location: Jangsa gewog, Paro district. Jangsa Lhakhang is a small village temple near Paro town. Some assert that Jangsa, like Paro Kyichu Lhakhang and Bumthang Jampey Lhakhag, is another of Songtsan Gampo's border-taming temples, however, this has not been proven. The temple consists of two shrines. The first is dedicated to the Buddha Shakyamuni and is flanked by the eight great bodhisattvas, four on each side. A small table near the door is dedicated to the local protector deity. The second, far smaller, shrine contains an 11 headed Avalokiteshvara and modern paintings. The assembly hall reveals 19th century murals of the Je Khenpos of Bhutan.

Ariana Maki 3-2012