Kurjey lakhang is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. It was named after the body (kur) print (jey) of Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings that make up the complex. It is at the end of a paved road, 2.5km from Chakhar Lhakhang.
The first of the three temples, called the Guru Lhakhang, is the oldest and was built in 1652. Tucked just below the eaves is a figure of a snow lion with a jachung (also called garuda) above it, which represents the famous struggle between Guru Rinpoche (appearing as the garuda) and the local demon, Shelging Kharpo (as the snow lion). The statue of Shelging Kharpo, found inside, is usually hidden from view.
The second building is called Sampa Lhundrup. It was built by the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck in 1990. Inside the temple is a towering statue of Guru Rinpoche, flanked by his eight manifestations. A smaller image of the Guru sits facing towards Tibet with a defiant stare.
The third building is called the Ka Gon Phur Sum Lakhang. It was built by the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, queen to the third king, in 1984 under the guidance of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Ka-Gong-Phur-Sum means Three Mystic Revelations of The Eight Pronouncements (Kagye), Abhipraya Samaja (Gongdue) and Vajra Kilaya (Phurpa).
The Royal Grandmother, Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck, also commissioned 108 chortens placed at regular intervals on the top of the enclosure. These Chortens are known as Jangchub Chortens and represent the Mind of all the Buddhas, and the steps towards spiritual enlightenment.