One of the country’s most recognisable landmarks and a major religious and tourist site is undergoing its first major re-gilding in more than a decade. Work has begun on the Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu. The existing gold finish will be renewed, with gold leaf applied to the face and the rest of the statue re-gilded. The work comes more than ten years after the Buddha Dordenma was completed in 2015.
Workers have been putting up scaffolding around the 201-foot statue over the past few days. Once the scaffolding is complete, the re-gilding will begin.
Gold leaf will be applied to the face, while the rest of the statue will receive a pressurised gold spray coating. The renewed finish is expected to last another 15 years.
Continuous exposure to sun, wind and rain over the past decade has caused parts of the gold coating to fade and appear greyish, prompting the re-gilding.
Kuenselphorang Lam Rinchen Choezang said, “It has been a long time since the statue was built. The statue has worn out due to the rain, sun, and wind. Therefore, it has been deemed important to do the maintenance.”
The work is being carried out by the government in collaboration with the Central Monastic Body, with a budget of Nu 85 M.
The monument has been an important religious and cultural site in the country.
Buddha Dordenma has hosted major religious gatherings, including prayers and ceremonies attended by thousands of devotees.
It is also one of Bhutan’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting visitors throughout the year.
The project is being undertaken as a tribute to His Majesty The King and for the long life of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The lam said, “This is a very significant project, and such an opportunity comes only once every 15 to 20 years. Buddha Dordenma is also an important place where people gather for religious events and prayers. Therefore, people have a meaningful opportunity to contribute to this major project and accumulate merit.”
People can also contribute gold or money towards the re-gilding. A committee, formed by the government and the Central Monastic Body, is coordinating and managing the contributions.
The re-gilding is expected to be completed by the end of October. Tourists will continue to be allowed to visit the site, but access inside the temple will remain restricted until the work is complete.
Once complete, the Buddha Dordenma will regain its golden brilliance, renewing the appearance of a monument that serves as a place of worship for devotees and a major destination for visitors to Bhutan.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
