In a ceremony steeped in devotion and history, Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck graced the consecration and installation of the Golden Pinnacle at Nobgang Lhakhang, one of Punakha’s most sacred religious sites. The event marked a significant spiritual milestone for the community and reaffirmed the enduring legacy of Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage.
Situated in the tranquil village of Nobgang, the lhakhang—also known as Pelri Dorji Din (Wongma)—was founded in the 17th century by the revered Shakya Rinchen. The founder named the temple Pelri Dorji Din, meaning “Bodh Gaya,” with the intention of creating a sanctified place of pilgrimage for those unable to journey to the original Bodh Gaya in India, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
At the heart of the lhakhang lies a sacred jewel discovered by Shakya Rinchen himself, enshrined as a spiritual treasure and symbol of devotion. The temple complex comprises two structures: the main Pelri Dorji Din Lhakhang and the smaller Zimchu (Gongma) Lhakhang, both of which serve as centers for religious practice and community gathering.
The lhakhangs underwent significant renovations in 2023, ensuring the preservation of their centuries-old architecture while restoring their spiritual and cultural essence. The installation of the Golden Pinnacle stands as both a religious blessing and a celebration of the temple’s rejuvenation, signifying prosperity and spiritual protection for generations to come.
The consecration ceremony, attended by devotees, monks, and local residents, was filled with prayers, offerings, and blessings, as the scent of incense and the sound of sacred chants filled the air. Her Majesty’s presence added profound significance to the occasion, reflecting the royal family’s deep and continued patronage of Bhutan’s religious and cultural institutions.
As the sun set over the Punakha valley, the newly installed golden pinnacle glistened atop the lhakhang—an emblem of faith, history, and unity that continues to illuminate Bhutan’s spiritual landscape.
