Spiritual Landmark Rising in Gelephu: New Choeten Project Breaks Ground

In a momentous ceremony, His Holiness the Je Khenpo led the groundbreaking for the Dorden Tashi Gomang, a monumental choeten (stupa) destined to become a beacon of Buddhist heritage in Gelephu Mindfulness City. The ambitious project, envisioned as a replica of the famed Dorji Dhen Choeten, marks the beginning of a transformative phase for the region.

Jointly spearheaded by His Holiness and Lam Tshering Wangdi—and generously sponsored by Singaporean businessman Rinchen Peter Teo, known for funding the Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu—the choeten is set to be a key spiritual and cultural landmark within the city. The project forms part of a larger plan that aims to develop a 21-religious complex in GMC, which local leaders hope will establish the city as the global capital of Vajrayana Buddhism.

A Vision in Stone and Spirit

The design, already approved by His Majesty, promises a structure of remarkable scale: 301 feet tall and 256 feet wide, it will be built on 21 acres of state land in Tashiling, Gelephu Thromde. Strategically located between the Nimalung Dratshang and the emerging double-lane expressway off the Gelephu-Zhemgang highway, the site blends accessibility with serene surroundings ideal for spiritual pursuits.

Construction is slated to commence early in the upcoming Buddhist lunar year—the Year of the Horse—with an estimated completion time of five years. “We can confirm construction once 95 percent of the paperwork is complete,” explained Lam Tshering Wangdi, who will soon relocate to Gelephu to personally oversee the project. He added that administrative preparations such as finalizing the necessary documents, opening a bank account, and launching a dedicated website are underway.

Building with Tradition and Modern Standards

Local architects have partnered with international experts from Arup Group Limited, a London-based firm renowned for its design and engineering excellence, to ensure that the choeten meets the highest international safety standards. The design calls for the first three stories to be constructed using traditional stone slates and cement, while the upper sections will evolve into a stupa adorned with four smaller stupas marking the cardinal directions.

Sustainability and longevity are key considerations for the project. The exterior will be finished with metal plated in bronze—a choice intended to allow the structure to endure for thousands of years. In a nod to tradition and opulence, the choeten will feature a singular, large Buddha statue. The statue, ideally sculpted from a durable YJ metal alloy and coated in gold, mirrors the symbolic presence of the revered figures atop the original Dorji Dhen Choeten.

A Project Steeped in History and Perseverance

This groundbreaking is the culmination of decades of planning. Originally envisioned 20 years ago in Phulari, Samtenling—with an associated replica of Rinpung Dzong to be built nearby—the project faced numerous delays, compounded by recent global challenges. Early soil tests in the area met with mixed results until the final, more advanced testing, which secured the site’s viability, was successfully completed.

Lam Tshering Wangdi, who also initiated the Buddha Dordenma project in Thimphu, expressed both excitement and gratitude at the ceremony. “I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring this vision to life,” he said, underscoring the deep spiritual and cultural aspirations behind the initiative.

A New Chapter for Gelephu Mindfulness City

As Gelephu Mindfulness City gears up to redefine its spiritual landscape, the Dorden Tashi Gomang stands as a testament to Bhutan’s enduring commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich Buddhist traditions. With meticulous planning, international collaboration, and unwavering local support, this choeten is set to become an iconic symbol of faith, culture, and the harmonious blend of ancient wisdom with modern engineering.

Local residents and devotees alike eagerly await the day when the majestic structure, resonating with prayers and meditations, will rise to grace the skyline of Gelephu—heralding a new era in Bhutan’s spiritual legacy.

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