Tabab Chorten, one of the first spiritual projects of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, is almost complete. The majestic chorten, standing as tall as a four-storeyed building, is now about 90 per cent complete. Located just above the Gelephu border gate, it will soon welcome visitors as a symbol of peace and Bhutanese heritage.
Located at Namkhailing, just a few metres above the Gelephu border gate, the 53-foot-tall Tabab Chorten is now nearing completion. With most of the exterior work finished, the chorten is steadily rising to its full glory. Inside, sculptors are currently engaged in crafting the sacred statues, which are expected to be completed in the coming months.
A project official says the structure will stand as a symbol of Bhutanese heritage and a beacon of peace for all entering the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“With the vision to establish Gelephu as a global hub for Vajrayana Buddhism, several spiritual projects like dzongs and lhakhangs will soon take shape in the region. We are starting with this chorten at the entrance, to remind everyone that they are entering a sacred space, one that deserves respect and reverence,” said Sangay Tshering, Lam Neten of Sarpang Rabdey.
Inside, a massive 18-foot statue of Ugyen Norlha, along with other wealth deities, is being prepared.
“The main relic of the chorten will be an 18-foot statue of Ugyen Norlha, accompanied by Tshering Che Nga, Norlha Den Nga, and other wealth deities. Above that, we are installing thousands of Tongkus, statues of 25 different gods, crafted over the past eight months by a family and volunteers in Thimphu,” said Chogyal, Project Manager.
Besides constructing the main statues, numerous volunteers from Gelephu regularly come forward to help install the Tongkus inside the chorten.
“We may not be able to contribute much financially, but we offer our time and effort. Whenever we can, we volunteer to help the lamas with installing the Tongkus,” said Sangay Choden, Volunteer, Gelephu, Sarpang.
“Being from here and having spent our childhood in Gelephu, we feel deeply connected to these changes. This project reflects the visionary guidance of His Majesty the King, so whenever I have time, I come here to volunteer and contribute,” said Leki Wangmo, Volunteer, Gelephu, Sarpang.
For now, the construction work is nearly finished, with only the landscaping and lighting installations remaining. External experts are expected to handle these final touches. The entire project is being carried out at a cost of Nu 300 M.
Inspired by ancient customs, the Chorten’s name Tabab refers to travellers dismounting before approaching sacred sites.
Passang Dorji, Gelephu
Edited by Kipchu
