A major spiritual landmark has been unveiled at the gateway to Gelephu Mindfulness City, marking an important milestone in the city’s vision to blend development with Bhutan’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions. The newly completed 53-foot Ugyen Norlha Choeten now stands near the Gelephu border gate, representing peace, prosperity and the nation’s cultural identity.
Formerly known as Tabab Choeten, the structure has been renamed Ugyen Norlha Choeten in honour of Ugyen Norlha, the prosperity manifestation of Guru Rinpoche. The sacred monument was constructed to commemorate the birth of Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck and reflects the spiritual aspirations guiding the city’s transformation.
At the heart of the Choeten sits a majestic image of Ugyen Norlha, flanked by Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal and Mendarawa. The interior walls present a rich collection of Buddhist imagery and symbolism. The southern side features multiple forms of Zambala, the revered deity associated with wealth and abundance, while above them appear depictions of Jampa Gonpo, the future Buddha, and Choeje Tsangpa Garey, founder of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage.
On the northern wall, visitors encounter Tshering Che-Nga — the Five Sister Deities believed to grant longevity and prosperity — alongside images of Gautama Buddha and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the historic figure credited with unifying Bhutan.
Protective figures and auspicious deities also guard the entrance. Sculptures of the Great Kings of the Four Directions stand together with Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Lhamo Uma, Lhamo Norjunma and Jetsun Drolma, reinforcing the Choeten’s spiritual guardianship.
According to project manager Chogyal, the structure houses approximately 27 statues on the ground floor and around 34,000 Tongkus on the upper level. Construction took nearly one and a half years, largely due to the time required to craft and properly dry many of the sacred statues before installation.
The exterior design carries symbolic meaning as well. Each side of the Choeten displays 34 images of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Tara and Zhabdrung, arranged along the four cardinal directions to reflect wisdom, compassion and the collective merit behind the creation of the mindfulness city.
Within the complex is also a Sid-Dhok Choeten dedicated to pacifying obstacles and promoting harmony. It houses important Buddhist scriptures, including the Kangyur and Tenjur, alongside teachings of revered masters.
Now rising prominently at the entrance to Gelephu, the Choeten has already begun drawing devotees from nearby communities. As construction continues across Gelephu Mindfulness City, the monument is expected to serve as a spiritual anchor, ensuring that progress is guided not only by economic ambition but also by faith, blessings and Bhutanese values.
