Since the completion of the 108 Jangchub Chorten, thousands of devotees have been circumambulating the stupas, offering prayers and seeking blessings. For many, it is an opportunity to express their faith, accumulate merit and pray for the peace, happiness and well-being of all sentient beings.
Among the thousands gathered here is 65-year-old Wangmo from Paro. She travelled to Gelephu to witness the raising of the 108 Jangchub Chorten. Today, she is walking around all 108 stupas with her friends, offering prayers along the way.
For Wangmo, the experience is also an opportunity to express her gratitude to His Majesty The King for this precious gift to the people of Bhutan.
“I feel truly grateful to see the stupas in person. Even during their construction, I felt blessed and happy to have the opportunity to offer my prayers from zeeray. I am equally happy and fortunate to be here today and circumambulate the stupas,” she said.
Around the stupas, devotees move at their own pace. Some hold prayer beads and quietly recite mantras, while others walk with their palms joined in prayer. Families and friends walk side by side, completing one round after another.
“I had never even dreamt of witnessing something like this and such an occasion had never happened before. With His Majesty’s initiative, I feel truly fortunate to have this opportunity to circumambulate the stupas today. I have been praying that even after I die, may I be reborn in this very country,” said Tshewang, a devotee from Zhemgang.
“With His Majesty’s vision, the 108 Jangchub Chortens stand here today in our country. I hope this inspires other parts of the world to undertake similar initiatives. It is heartening to see thousands of people coming here and walking around the stupas with such devotion, praying to accumulate merit and purify themselves of their sins,” said Sangay Khandu, a devotee from Wangdue Phodrang.
The 108 Jangchub chorten have now become a place of collective devotion. People continue to arrive and it will go on for years to come.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
