Towering above the Bhutanese capital, the Buddha Dordenma is set to regain its distinctive golden brilliance as authorities undertake the monument’s first major re-gilding since its completion more than a decade ago.
Preparatory work has begun at the site in Kuenselphodrang, with workers erecting scaffolding around the 201-foot statue. Once the structure is fully covered and preparations are complete, specialists will begin renewing the gold finish that has gradually weathered under years of exposure to Thimphu’s sun, rain and wind.
The restoration will use two different techniques. Gold leaf will be applied to the Buddha’s face, while the remainder of the massive statue will receive a pressurised gold spray coating. The renewed finish is expected to last for around 15 years.
Completed in 2015, the Buddha Dordenma has become one of Bhutan’s most prominent landmarks, visible from large parts of the Thimphu valley. Over the years, however, prolonged exposure to the elements has caused portions of its exterior to lose their original lustre, with some areas taking on a greyish appearance.
Kuenselphorang Lam Rinchen Choezang said the restoration had become necessary because of the natural deterioration of the monument’s exterior.
“It has been a long time since the statue was built. The statue has worn out due to the rain, sun, and wind. Therefore, it has been deemed important to do the maintenance,” he said.
The Nu 85 million project is being undertaken jointly by the government and the Central Monastic Body. It is being carried out as a tribute to His Majesty The King and as an offering for the long life of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
Beyond its imposing presence on Thimphu’s skyline, the Buddha Dordenma holds considerable religious and cultural importance. The site regularly hosts prayers, ceremonies and major religious gatherings drawing thousands of devotees. It has also emerged as one of Bhutan’s most popular tourist attractions, receiving visitors throughout the year.
The restoration project is also providing members of the public with an opportunity to participate. Individuals wishing to support the work can contribute either gold or money towards the re-gilding. A committee constituted by the government and the Central Monastic Body is overseeing the collection and management of these contributions.
Lam Rinchen Choezang described the restoration as a rare opportunity for devotees to contribute to the upkeep of an important religious monument.
“This is a very significant project, and such an opportunity comes only once every 15 to 20 years. Buddha Dordenma is also an important place where people gather for religious events and prayers. Therefore, people have a meaningful opportunity to contribute to this major project and accumulate merit,” he said.
The re-gilding is scheduled to be completed by the end of October. The site will remain open to tourists while the work is underway, although access to the interior of the temple will remain restricted until the restoration is finished.
When the scaffolding eventually comes down, the renewed golden figure will once again dominate the hills above Thimphu — restoring the familiar appearance of a monument that is at once a centre of Buddhist devotion, a national cultural landmark and one of the most recognisable sights for visitors to Bhutan.
