Buddha Dordenma Statue
The Great Buddha Dordenma is a colossal Shakyamuni Buddha statue located in the mountains of Bhutan, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. This immense gilded bronze statue, standing 177 feet tall, houses over 125,000 smaller Buddha figures and fulfills ancient prophecies, symbolizing blessings, peace, and happiness for the world.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the Great Buddha Dordenma began in 2006 and concluded on September 25, 2015.
- ›The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold, with the main figure standing 177 feet (54 meters) tall.
- ›It contains over 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddha statues.
- ›The project was sponsored by Singaporean and Hong Kong-based businessmen and cost US$47 million for construction.
- ›The statue is situated amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the former palace of the thirteenth Druk Desi.
- ›It is believed to fulfill prophecies regarding the construction of a large statue to bring peace and happiness.
Important Relationships
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck
- Sonam Zangpo
- Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)
- Pema Lingpa
- Gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha Statue
- Over 125,000 Smaller Gilded Bronze Buddha Statues
- Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park
- Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck's Reign
- Fulfillment of Ancient Prophecies
About Buddha Dordenma Statue
The Great Buddha Dordenma is a monumental Shakyamuni Buddha statue situated in the mountains overlooking Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Its construction was initiated in 2006 and completed on September 25, 2015, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue stands as one of the largest Buddha stupas globally, measuring 177 feet (54 meters) in height.
Construction and Features
Constructed by Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China, the Buddha Dordenma is made of bronze and entirely gilded in gold. It is a repository for over 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, comprising 100,000 of 8-inch height and 25,000 of 12-inch height, also gilded in bronze. The total cost of this ambitious project is reported to be well over US$100 million, with the construction phase alone costing approximately US$47 million, funded by Singaporean and Hong Kong-based businessmen.
Prophetic and Spiritual Significance
The Great Buddha Dordenma is not merely a modern monument; it is also recognized as fulfilling ancient prophecies. The yogi Sonam Zangpo prophesied in the 20th century that a large statue of Buddha, Padmasambhava, or a phurba would be built in the area to bring blessings, peace, and happiness to the world. Furthermore, the statue is referenced in the ancient terma of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), recovered centuries ago by terton Pema Lingpa, adding a deep layer of spiritual importance and historical continuity.
Surrounding Environment
Adjacent to the statue, the Kuensel Phodrang nature park was formally opened in 2011. This park encompasses 943.4 acres of forest and was established to conserve the natural environment surrounding the Buddha Dordenma. The park also features public amenities, including two outdoor gymnasiums that were opened in 2015.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Great Buddha Dordenma statue built?
Construction for the Great Buddha Dordenma began in 2006 and was completed on September 25, 2015. It was planned to finish in October 2010 but experienced delays.
What is the Great Buddha Dordenma statue made of and how large is it?
The statue is constructed from bronze and gilded in gold. The main Buddha Dordenma figure stands at an impressive 177 feet (54 meters) tall.
How many smaller Buddha statues are housed within the Great Buddha Dordenma?
The statue houses over 125,000 smaller Buddha statues in total. This includes 100,000 statues that are 8 inches tall and 25,000 statues that are 12 inches tall, all made of gilded bronze.
What is the significance of the Great Buddha Dordenma?
The statue was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It also fulfills ancient prophecies, including one by the yogi Sonam Zangpo, foretelling a large statue that would bestow blessings, peace, and happiness upon the world.
Who sponsored the construction of the Great Buddha Dordenma?
The construction was financed by Rinchen Peter Teo, a Singaporean businessman, and Danny Wong, a Hong Kong-based Malaysian businessman. The total cost of the project exceeded US$100 million.
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