The Jambay Temple or Maitreya Temple is located in Bumthang in Bhutan, and is said to be one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 AD on a single day, to pin down an ogress to earth forever. It was divined that the supine demon was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism, and temples were constructed on her body parts that spread across Tibet, Bhutan and the borderlands.

Jambay Lhakhang was visited by Padmasambhava and restored by King Sindhu Raja after the former returned his life force. Jampey Lhakhang is revered as one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and said to date back to the 7th century.

The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is one of the most interesting events held there. During this festival, the chams (dances) include Terchham (Naked Dance), which was formerly initiated by Terton Dorje Lingpa, Mewang, Macham, Ging Tsholing, Dramtse Ngacham, Zhana Cham etc,. The dances are performed by the local villagers of Norgang, Changwa and Nangsiphel. The festival is a five-day programme.

Jambay Lhakhang

This festival is one of the most important in Bhutan and its highlight is the ‘Mewang” – the fire ceremony and the “Tercham” – a religious dance. A fire dance is held in the evening to bless infertile women so that they may bear children. The “Tercham” or the naked dance is one of the festival’s highlights and a renowned item among the spectators. Exactly at midnight, sixteen naked men sprint out of the monastery’s door galloping in the air to the rhythmic accompaniment of the beatings of the traditional drums and cymbals. These dancers are completely naked except for their faces which are covered in white cloths and masks. They are the sacred naked dancers of the Jambay Lhakhang and this dance is known as the “Tercham”.

The festival is held for dual reasons; to commemorate the establishment of Jambay Lhakhang (temple) in 7th century and to honor Guru Rinpoche, a saint who introduced Tantric form of Buddhism in Bhutan. A variety of traditional and mask dances are performed and each dance bear significant importance.