Thousands of devotees flocked to Kuenselphodrang from as early as 3 AM today, eager to catch a glimpse of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand and Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen, and to receive blessings from the sacred relics and empowerments bestowed by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
The chanting of mantras, excitement, and a sense of contentment filled the air at Kuenselphodrang.
To honour the royal visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, His Holiness the Je Khenpo administered Tseta Zung Del, Tshepamed and Tandin empowerments upon the devotees at around 8 AM this morning.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn presented sixteen Buddha relics to His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo for permanent enshrinement in Bhutan. The relics, which include eight in the form of mustard seeds and eight in the form of rice grains, were displayed for the public.
The crowd warmly welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand by waving the flags of the two nations.
The relics were blessed and entrusted by His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. A portion of these sacred relics is enshrined at Wat Rajabopit Sathitmahasimaram, the royal temple established by King Rama V of the Chakri Dynasty in Thailand.
In addition, the Central Monastic Body displayed four sacred relics for public viewing.
The Laytshog Dungchen of the Central Monastic Body, Choten Dorji said, “The relics are considered an auspicious and sacred object that can be venerated. The relics become more sacred because it has been offered to His Majesty The King personally by His Majesty the King of Thailand.”
These relics will inspire mindfulness and symbolise the deep and lasting friendship between Thailand and Bhutan, as well as the strong ties between the monastic communities of the two nations, which will endure for generations.
“I am really proud to catch a glimpse of Their Majesties of Thailand and our King and Gyaltsuen. I would like to welcome Their Majesties of Thailand to Bhutan on behalf of all the students in our country,” said Chhimi Yuoden, a student.
Kinley Dem, a resident of Thimphu, said, “I feel very satisfied and happy today that our guests have come here, His Majesty The King is here, and we have received blessings from His Holiness the Je Khenpo.”
“We feel blessed and happy that the King of Thailand has visited our country. Today, in the presence of His Majesty The King today we received blessings from His Holiness the Je Khenpo. I would like to thank the King of Thailand for visiting our country,” said Zeko, also a resident of Thimphu.
“Bhutan and Thailand have had a strong bond of friendship for a long time. Furthermore, the visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand symbolises further growth in the relationship,” said Pema Wangchuk, a teacher in Thimphu.
The relics will be on public display until Monday, from 8 AM to 4 PM. City bus services will not be available, as was the case today, but private vehicles will be allowed to the venue.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Phub Gyem
