This is the Buddha Dordenma a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue the sits in the mountains just outside of Thimpu, Bhutan. It is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world at 169 feet tall. The statue is made of bronze and gold gilt.
Apsaras ring the Giant Buddha – Apsaras are female spirits of the clouds and water in Buddhism
The statue alone cost $47 million US, and was built by Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China. The statue is a part of the Buddha Dordenma Project, that will include a park covering 945 acres at an expected cost in the neighborhood of $100 million.
The interior is ringed with stunning gold columns
The Buddha commemorates the centennial of the Bhutanese monarchy, but also fulfills a prophecy. In the twentieth century, the renowned yogi Sonam Zangpo prophesized that a large statue of either Padmasambhava, Buddha or of a phurba would be built in the region to bestow blessings, peace and happiness on the whole world.
Behind the altar sits Avalokitesvara, “Lord who looks down”. This bodhisattva embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.
The Altar in the temple under the Giant Buddha
By pure luck we were there the day it was consecrated by the chief Bhutanese abbot.
The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan is called the Je Khenpo. His primary duty is to lead the Commission for the Monastic Affairs (Dratshang Lhentshog) of Bhutan, which oversees the Central Monastic Body, and to arbitrate on matters of doctrine, assisted by learned masters or lopons . The Je Khenpo is also responsible for many important liturgical and religious duties across the country.
The Abbot blessing the crowd
According to the dual system of government in Bhutan, established by Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century, the powers of the government of Bhutan are ideally split between the religious branch, headed by the Je Khenpo, and the administrative branch, headed by the Druk Desi. The position of Je Khenpo is based on merit by election, and typically is given to the most respected monk in the Commission for the Monastic Affairs (Dratshang Lhentshog). Therefore, unlike reincarnation lineages such as the Dalai Lama, the position of Je Khenpo is always a seasoned monk, and never a child.
The chinese guests were given these small Buddhas blessed by the Abbot. Placing them on their head is a sign of reverence
The Chinese gathered around the Abbots chair
The red carpet laid for the Head Abbot was decorated with mandalas made of colored rice. This is after they were walked all over.
There is no record of how drums came to Bhutan but they serve a very important place in both cultural and religious ceremonies.
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The Abbots chair after everyone had left the ceremony
