One of the first spiritual projects of the Gelephu Mindfulness City is now complete. The 53-foot Ugyen Norlha Choeten in Namkhailing rises near the Gelephu border gate, symbolising peace, prosperity and Bhutanese heritage.
Previously known as Tabab Choeten, the structure has now been renamed Ugyen Norlha Choeten.
It is dedicated to Ugyen Norlha, the prosperity manifestation of Guru Rinpoche, and was built in commemoration of the birth of Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck.
At the sacred core of the Choeten is Ugyen Norlha, the prosperity manifestation of Guru Rinpoche, seated in majesty, with Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal and Mendarawa beside him.
The southern wall features various forms of Zambala, the revered deity of wealth, offering continued blessings for the city.
Above them are depictions of Jampa Gonpo, the future Buddha, and Choeje Tsangpa Garey, founder of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage.
On the northern wall, Tshering Che-Nga, the Five Sister Deities of longevity and prosperity, appear alongside Gautama Buddha and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who unified Bhutan as a nation state.
Near the main entrance, sculptures of the Great Kings of the Four Directions stand together with Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Lhamo Uma, Lhamo Norjunma, and Jetsun Drolma, reinforcing the Choeten’s protective and auspicious presence.
Chogyal, Project Manager said, “The Choeten has about 27 statues of various gods on the ground floor and around 34,000 Tongkus on the upper floor. It took us about one and a half years to complete, as many of the statues had to be constructed and properly dried before installation.”
Outside, the exterior walls display 34 images each of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Tara, and Zhabdrung positioned along the four cardinal directions, symbolising wisdom, compassion, and the collective merit behind the creation of the city.
The Choeten also houses a Sid-Dhok Choeten, dedicated to pacifying obstacles and ensuring harmony. It contains sacred Buddhist texts including the Kangyur and Tenjur, along with teachings of enlightened masters.
Now standing prominently at the gateway of Gelephu, the Ugyen Norlha Choeten is already attracting devotees from the local area.
As development works continue across Gelephu Mindfulness City, the Choeten is expected to play a vital role in laying a strong spiritual foundation, ensuring that the city’s transformation is guided not only by growth and opportunity, but by faith, blessings and Bhutanese values.
Passang Dorji
