BUDDHA POINT - THIMPHU

In Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, a massive, golden Buddha statue sits atop in one of the mountain known as Kunzangphodrang. Its presence reflects the dominant religion in Bhutan, which is buddhism. The string of prayer flags along road sides, the numerous prayer wheels surrounding the clock tower in the center of town, in Thimphu, the small chortens (temples) and the numerous paintings and offerings on the walls of rock and cement. 

place Buddha point, buddha dordenma

The Buddha Dordenma is  the largest sitting statue of the Buddha, measuring  51.5 meters in height, glided in gold and made of solid bronze. Looking at the gaint Buddha statue one might think you are viewing just one buddha, but actually they are not. There are total of 125,000 miniature buddha statues, encapsulated inside of its enlightened bronze chest, of which 25,000 of them are 12 inch statues and 100,000 are 8 inch statues. Like the large Buddha, these thousands of miniature Buddhas are also gilded in gold and made of bronze.

Tourists often drive once to see it as its view is without a doubt outstanding as the giant Buddha with calm and assuring look. 

The statue also fulfils two ancient prophecies. The first, foreseen by yogi Sonam Sangpo, is that a Buddhist statue would be built in the region to bestow blessings, peace and happiness to the whole world. In addition, the statue is said to have been mentioned by Guru Padmasambhava, known as the “second Buddha,” in the eighth century. This statue kills two birds with one stone by fulfilling both prophecies in glimmering fashion.

It was constructed celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Construction began in 2006 and was planned to finish in October 2010, however it did not conclude until 25 September 2015. The completed work is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world. Total cost of the entire project is estimated over US$100 million.

The view of the entire city

Locals often come for the other view, apart from the view of the buddha, which is the valley of Thimphu parking their cars along the roadside bringing snacks and drinks. Since it is atop a mountain, you get to see the full view of entire Thimphu. These two views create a strange harmony of man-made and natural wonders that captivate.