Sacred Calendar
A clean guide to the guiding aspirations, sacred observances, and foundation projects connected to Buddha Dordenma.
Guiding Purpose
Aspiration
01
The statue is dedicated to ensuring that, even if the Dharma fades or becomes obscured in other parts of the world, it continues to flourish in Bhutan. It stands as a beacon of Dharma, radiating the light of the teachings across the world, and marks a highly auspicious offering linked to Bhutan's three historic milestones: the centenary of the monarchy, the coronation of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, and the introduction of parliamentary democracy.
Vision
02
The overarching purpose is a call for close cooperation and harmony, where all beings act with sincere purity of heart rather than harming one another. It aspires to pacify the calamities of troubled times, including earthquakes, fires, floods, storms, epidemics, famine, and warfare, so that people may live in peace and security under the protection of the Buddha's blessings.
Events & Ceremonies
7 Days
Led by Je Khen Rinpoche and the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body), this grand ceremony invokes blessings for peace, prosperity, and the welfare of all sentient beings worldwide.
10 Days
Ten-day ceremonial offerings dedicated to long life, merit accumulation, and the flourishing of the Dharma. Visitors may join in these sacred observances throughout the year.
September 25th
Commemorating the grand inauguration of Buddha Dordenma with 100,000 eight-inch and 25,000 twelve-inch gold-gilded Buddha statues. This celebration honors the vision realized and the blessings bestowed.
Annual Rhythm
Buddha Dordenma's ceremonial calendar follows the Bhutanese lunar year. These recurring observances mark the seasons and are among the most meaningful times to visit the sanctuary.
Late Winter
The new year is welcomed with prayer flags, incense offerings, and family visits to the sanctuary. Monks lead dawn ceremonies invoking prosperity and protection for the year ahead.
Mid Spring
The most sacred month of the Buddhist calendar, marking the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. Devotees circumambulate the statue and merit generated during this period is considered multiplied many times over.
Summer
Marking the end of the monsoon, this observance blesses the water that sustains the valley. Visitors often see ritual bathing and offerings performed near the sanctuary grounds.
Winter Solstice
The shortest day of the year is met with butter-lamp offerings symbolizing the returning light. The Monastic Body performs evening prayers dedicated to the wellbeing of all sentient beings.
Environmental Stewardship
Seasonal flower displays grace the temple grounds with natural beauty. Volunteer garden days invite visitors to participate in maintaining these sacred gardens. Special flower ceremonies honor the role of nature in spiritual practice.
Comprehensive tree planting and reforestation efforts protect the surrounding watershed and forest ecosystem. Environmental stewardship programs ensure the sacred site flourishes within its natural environment for generations to come.
These foundation projects embody the principle that honoring the Buddha means honoring all of creation and protecting the natural world that sustains us.