The construction of the iconic nine-storey Sangye Migyur Ling Monastery at Ramitey in Phuentshogling is expected to be complete by the end of next year.
Ramitey is located some 10-kilometres from Phuentshogling towards Thimphu.
As of now, 80 per cent of the work is complete. The external structure of the monastery is almost complete.
Currently, works such as painting, flooring and maintenance of ground labels are being carried out.
The project began in 2013. The idea to build such a monastery came up after Lam Kezang Tsheltrim, the chairman of the project made a pilgrimage to Kham region in Tibet and saw the majestic Milarepa tower.
He then decided to build a similar one in Bhutan.
“The main reason for constructing this lhakhang in the south is to promote and preserve our country’s cultural heritage. Phuentsholing town shares a border with India, so this monastery will stand as an identity of Bhutanese culture,” told the Vice Chairman of Sangye Migyur Ling Monastery Project, Yeshi Wangchuk to BBS News.
The nine-storey monastery will have biography of Milarepa, eight forms of Guru Padmasambhava and five Buddha families among others.
Once complete, the monastery will have a shedra, which will accommodate over 500 monks.
“During auspicious days such as Zhabdrung Kuchoe many devotees come here to offers prayers. It’s nice to see people already showing their devotion to the lhakhang and understanding the significance of Milarepa,” adds the vice chairman. Nearly Nu 800m has been spent on project so far.
The project is being funded by donors from Hong Kong, USA, Singapore and within the country.
Once complete, the Sangye Migyur Ling Monastery also known as Mila Serkhar Guthog Lhakhang will become an important tourist sites in the southern region.
