Buddha Dordenma Statue at Kuensel Phodrang
At a total height of 169 feet (51.5 meters ) the Buddha Dordenma statue is the tallest sitting statue of the Buddha in the world. The statue is located At an elevation of 2600 meters above sea level; placed within the Kuensel Phodrang nature park, which was the palace complex of the 13th Druk Desi Sherub Wangchuk. The Buddha is of that of Buddha Shakyamuni/ Siddharta Gautama, and “Dordenma” literally means “filled with treasures.”
History
8th Century - 20th Century Prophecyies
Guru Padmasambhava is said to have made a prophecy in the 8th century that a statue would be erected in Wang-Pa-Sha region; the prophecy was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. In the 20th Century Lama Sonam Zangpo made yet another prophecy that a statue of either Padmasambhava or Buddha would be built there for global peace.
21st century
Construction works began in 2006 under the command of His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo with support from international Patron; Mr.Rinchen Peter Teo of Singapore and Mr.Danny Wong of Hongkong.
Construction completed in September 2015.
In 2011 the 933 acred, Kuensel Phodrang Park was also officially inaugrated.
The Structure and Highlights to Witness
The total height stands at 169 feet; 66 feet consists of the base structure. The Buddha is depicted in sitting posture featruing the Bhumishparsha Mudra. There are statue of 37 Dakinis surrounding the statue.
Ground Floor
The Ground floor features the following paintings and stupas :-
- Statue of 16 Arahats
-Statue of Terton Pema Lingpa
-Statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel
-Painting of Buddha Shakyamuni
2nd Floor
At the main entrance there is a painting of 12 Deeds of Buddha . The following paintings and statues can be found in the 2nd floor :-
- Painting of buddha of Compassion
- Painting of Zhabdrung
- Painting of 70th Je khenpo
- Painting of Buddha Turning the wheel of dharma
- Painting of Guru Zangtopelri
- Painting Trinity of Longlife or Tshelha Namsum
- 125000 Statue of Buddha Dordenma in 8 and 12 inches.
- Central figure is the Statue of Vairochana in 5 headed form, the other 4 heads being of that of Akshobhaya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha& Amogasiddhi.
- Small statues of the 12 deeds of Buddha
- Statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Guru Rinpoche & Vajrikiliya.
Yearly Events
-Every year in November a special Moenlam Chenmo is organized coinciding with the Holy Day Lhabab Duechen or Descending day of the Lord Buddha.
-The Peling Tsechu has been held here since 2016 in May.