Kurjey Lhakhang, also known as the Kurjey Monastery, is located in the Bumthang valley of Bhutan. This is the final resting place of the remains of the first three Kings of Bhutan. Also, a large tree behind one of the temple buildings is believed to be left by Padmasambhava.

It is believed that at the time of war between King called Nawchhe and the ruler of Bumthang - Sindhuraja , he had prayed for help of the local deities. However, Sindhuraja lost his son in the battle. Afterwards, Sindhuraja decided to destroy all structures belonging to the local deities. Angered by this Shelging Karpo the local deity stole the life force of Sindhuraja, and thus he fell ill due to this and the local healers were unable to do anything. One of Sindhuraja's attendant sought help from Guru Padmasambhava, who was residing in Nepal at the time. A cup of gold dust was offered to Guru Padmasambhava, who then reached Bumthang. Sindhuraja promised him anything if he could cure him, Guru Rinpochhe then asked for Sindhuraja's daughter Moenmo Tashi Khuedron.

Kurjey Lhakhang

Shelging Karpo was inside a cave to when Guru Padmasambhava had to lure him out of the cave to subdue him. Padmasambhava started performing a cham dance, but although it managed to attract the attention of most local deities, he failed to lure out Shelging Karpo. So he then asked Moenmo Tashi Khuedron to fetch for a pale of water in a copper vase. Guru Padmasambhava used the reflection of the light of Sun from the vase and directed it towards the cave. Intrigued Shelging Karpo decided to step out and find out what this reflection was, and when he stepped out Padmasambhava immediately subdued and also had him be a protector of the Dharma.

Guru Padmasambhava made Shelging Karpo return the life force of Sindhuraja. Guru Padmasambhava also meditated at the cave and thus left a print of his body on the cave (Kurjey). Tourists can visit Kurjey Lhakhang throughout year but morning time during the prayer hours is considered the best time to visit Kurjey Lhakhang.