The Complete Story
Buddha Dordenma
A monumental achievement fulfilling centuries-old prophecies, housing 125,000 Buddha statues within its sacred bronze and gold structure.
169 feet
Height
about 51.5 meters
2006-2015
Construction
9 years
$100M+
Cost
Total project
125,000
Smaller Buddhas
Inside the statue
The Monument
A Monument of Peace and Prophecy
Historical Significance
The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuk, the thirteenth Druk Desi, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
The statue was constructed by Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China, under the main sponsorship of Rinchen Peter Teo, a Singaporean businessman, and Danny Wong, a Hong Kong based Malaysian businessman.
Construction & Materials
The wisdom eye of the Buddha is made from diamonds worth 1 million US Dollars, while the entire structure is made of bronze and gilded in gold, creating a beacon visible from across the entire Thimphu Valley.
Australian architects Buro and Structural Engineers Arup HK assisted with the project, ensuring modern engineering meets ancient spiritual wisdom.
The Interior
A Sanctuary of 125,000 Blessings
Sacred Interior Configuration
The statue houses over 125,000 smaller Buddha statues: 100,000 eight-inch-tall and 25,000 twelve-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas. Each are made of bronze and gilded in gold.
The Bhumisparsha Mudra
The Buddha is depicted in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, with the left palm facing upward and the right hand pointed downward toward the earth, symbolizing his summoning of the earth to witness his enlightenment.
Through the Ages
From Prophecy to Presence
The story of Buddha Dordenma spans centuries of vision, prophecy, and devotion. From ancient foretellings to the 169 feet tall monument that now overlooks Thimphu, each milestone shaped the sacred presence that stands today.
Ancient
Prophecy of Dorje Lingpa
The construction of the Buddha Dordenma fulfills an ancient prophecy from Terton Dorje Lingpa and Drubwang Lama Sonam Zangpo, foretelling that a great image of the Buddha built at the boundary of Wang and Paro (Wangpar Tsam) would avert war, disease, and bring peace to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
~1990
Vision of Thrizin Rinpoche
The initial seed for constructing the statue was planted by His Eminence Thrizin Rinpoche Tshering Wangdi, Chairman of the Menjong Choethuen Tshogpa. His vision was to create a marvelous image of the Victorious One, an image that liberates upon seeing, to benefit all sentient beings.
2005
Royal Approval & Groundbreaking
Following the command of His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Truelku Jigme Choeda, and a royal decree from His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the project received final approval. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on the 8th day of the 10th lunar month, marked by a rainbow encircling the sun.
2006
Construction Begins in Nanjing
After an extensive search, the casting was entrusted to master artisans Mr. Mi and Mr. Li in Nanjing, China. The statue was constructed from over 900 tonnes of bronze and precious metals, including 12kg of pure gold for the crown ornament.
2015
Grand Inauguration
The Buddha Dordenma was officially inaugurated on September 25, 2015. The meditation hall beneath the statue contains 100,000 eight-inch-tall and 25,000 twelve-inch-tall gold-gilded Buddha statues, fulfilling the vision of the benefactors.
Present
Living Heritage & Center of Peace
Today, Kuensel Phodrang continues to be a center of devotion, meditation, and cultural celebration. Annual ceremonies are held, and the site serves as a powerful source of merit, ensuring the flourishing of the Dharma and the well-being of the nation.
Spiritual Visionary
The Founding Vision
His Eminence Thrizin Rinpoche
Chairman of Menjong Choethuen Tshogpa
The sole purpose of building this statue is to pacify inauspicious causes such as war and disease in all countries of the world and to foster conditions of harmony and peace.
The vision for the Buddha Dordenma statue was first conceived by His Eminence Thrizin Rinpoche Tshering Wangdi, Chairman of the Menjong Choethuen Tshogpa. Entrusted by His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Truelku Jigme Choeda, Rinpoche undertook this monumental project to fulfill sacred prophecies and ensure the spiritual and temporal well-being of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Born in the Wood Male Horse Year in 1954 on Saga Dawa, Thrizin Rinpoche's life has been dedicated to the Dharma. He was formally included among the celibate monks by the 65th Je Khenpo Yeshey Singye and served the monastic community for seventeen years. Following a three-year, three-month retreat, he was appointed as Chairman of the Menjong Choethuen Tshogpa, leading numerous philanthropic and religious projects, including the construction of the Buddha Dordenma.
Leadership & Patronage
Guided by Throne and Dharma
The Buddha Dordenma stands today under the continued patronage of His Majesty The Fifth King and the spiritual guidance of His Holiness the Je Khenpo. Discover the royal and religious leadership that carried this monument from prophecy to permanence, and continues to sustain it today.
The Grounds
Kuenselphodrang Nature Park
Under the eyes of the Buddha statue, the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park formally opened in 2011, dedicated to the Royal Wedding of His Majesty the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.
The park conserves 943.4 acres of forest area that surrounds the Buddha Dordenma statue and houses two public outdoor gymnasiums which opened in 2015.