Buddha Dordenma

This is an active Buddhist temple.

Buddha Dordenma is located on a hill outside of Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. At 51.5 meters tall, it is one of the largest Buddhas in the world. The bronze statue, gilded with gold, was completed in 2015 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan. Estimated construction cost—$100 million with the wisdom eye valued at $1 million. The statue fulfills the prophesy that a large Buddha would be built in the region from a point where it could bestow blessings and happiness on the world. The statue sits on the site of an old palace and is visible from anywhere in Thimphu.

Hidden inside the statue are 125,000 miniature Buddhas—also gilded in gold. The complex includes a large meditation hall where hundreds come to pray each day. Inside the meditation hall is the main statue of Guru Rinpoche and paintings of Buddha and his teachings. Around the courtyard are Dakini (a female embodiment of enlightenment) holding the eight auspicious signs.

The statue is part of the Kuensel Phodrang nature park and is illuminated at night. The courtyard provides an incredible view of Thimphu Valley.

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