Bhutanese pilgrims visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, will soon have a dedicated place for worship, prayer and accommodation. Construction of the Bhutan Temple Complex officially began on Saturday with a ground-breaking ceremony. The Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body presided over the ceremony.
The Bhutan Temple Complex will be built in Lumbini’s Western Monastic Zone, near the road leading to the Maya Devi Temple.
According to the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, architects have designed the complex in the traditional Bhutanese dzong style.
The main structure will be a three-storey temple inspired by the Utse of Tango Monastery. The complex will also include residences for monks and facilities for pilgrims and visitors.
Sangay Kinga, the project manager from the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, said, “This plan has existed for many years. It was His Majesty The King’s command to construct a temple here in Lumbini. As Bhutan continues to build temples and religious structures, His Majesty also commanded the construction of this temple in Nepal to serve as an example for Buddhist practitioners around the world.”
The Bhutanese Government is funding the project at an estimated cost of Nu 160 M. Construction is expected to take about two years. The government aims to complete the temple complex in 2028. Once completed, the complex will provide Bhutanese pilgrims with a permanent spiritual home in Lumbini.
It will also showcase Bhutan’s cultural and religious heritage. In addition, the project will strengthen the longstanding friendship between Bhutan and Nepal and reinforce Lumbini’s role as a global Buddhist pilgrimage destination.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
