KPC – Maryland
Plan Your Visit
The prayer room inside the temple is open to the public daily 8am-8pm. The public entrance to the Prayer Room is now located around the back of the temple, across from the goat and pig enclosures; please follow the red and white “Temple Entrance” signs.
The outdoor areas are open every day from dawn to dusk and we encourage you to enjoy and explore the many sacred Stupas and our 65-acre Peace Park across the street.
Temple Location: 18400 River Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837
Parking for people with disabilities is provided.
We look forward to seeing you!
What to See & Do
Large statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha, Buddha Quan Yin, and Lady Liberty now grace the front of the temple, welcoming visitors with beautiful gardens and benches for contemplation.
Inside the KPC Maryland Temple there is a beautiful prayer room surrounded with statues and crystals. The temple also has a small store and library which are available to visitors by appointment.
Located across the street from the main Temple, the Peace Park is a 65-acre wildlife refuge that is open to the public from dawn to dusk. It includes miles of walking trails and meditation gardens, with many Stupas, including the golden Migyur Dorje Stupa. Humans and their dogs on a leash are welcome.
There are many beautiful altars and statues where people are welcome to make offerings including our newest arrival Guru Rinpoche, who is enthroned just inside the entrance to the Stupa Peace Park.
Visitors can add names or situations they would like prayers dedicated to, and they will be read aloud during group practices — requests can be made at the temple or online here. For a small donation, candles are available to offer on the various altars.
About KPC Maryland
KPC Maryland is a unique temple and monastery (living space for ordained monks and nuns) founded by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo under the guidance of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Located outside Poolesville, Maryland, KPC includes the Temple, grounds and Stupa Peace Park.
Inside, someone is always upholding the 24-hour prayer vigil that began in 1985. Outside, there are 72 acres of pristine grounds that include sacred statues, five color gardens in the traditional colors of Tibetan Buddhism, a large collection of sacred monuments called Stupas in sizes up to 38 feet tall, and mapped walking trails for meditation, exercise, contemplation, and prayer.
Upcoming Practices & Events
KPC offers weekly teachings, meditation classes, group practices, and special events at the Temple in Maryland.
For a calendar of all teachings, practices, and special events, click here ⇒
All are welcome.
Temple Building Project
We are in the midst of a Temple Building Project. See our vision for our future facility plan on the Capital Campaign page.
