Buddha Dordenma Statue at Buddha Point is one of the world’s largest and tallest Sitting Buddha statues. It is 169 feet (52 m) and sits upon a large meditation hall. The hall contains 100,000 eight-inch-tall and 25,000 twelve-inch-tall gold-gilded bronze Buddhas.
Buddha Point is on the remains of Kuensel Phodrang Palace of 13th Druk Desi, overlooking the capital city Thimphu at 2500 masl.
Apart from being a place of spirituality, the infamous Buddha Point is also a place of solace for those who leave the city to feel the calmness of Thimphu.
How to Reach Buddha Point
The Buddha point is 8 km from Thimphu city. Buddha Point is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. You don’t need to book a visit to Buddha Dordenma in advance. No entry fee is required for tourists and locals visiting the Buddha Dordenma Statue at the Buddha Point.
You have the option of entering the Buddha Point from two entrances. The one at the far right is near and doesn’t need much effort to reach the Statue. The first entrance to the Buddha Point is steep and you must climb the stairs.
The Prophecies for Buddha Dordenma Statue
The Buddha Dordenma statue at Buddha Point was built to fulfill an 8th-century prophecy from Guru Rinpoche. Some 600 years ago, Terton Pema Lingpa discovered the ancient terma of Guru Rimpoche mentioning the statue to be built in Bhutan for peace and happiness.
The specific prophecy stated:
“A Shakyamuni statue would be built…in the region between Wang and Paro, to bestow blessings of peace and harmony in the world.”
Likewise, in the 20th century, yogi Sonam Zangpo also prophesied that a large statue of either Guru Rinpoche, Buddha, or a Phurba would be built in the region “to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness in the whole world”.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
The Construction of the Buddha Dordenma Statue at Buddha Point
The Great Buddha Dordenma, meaning a Shakyamuni Buddha is built on a hilltop compassing about 943 acres of land designated as the Nature Park. The Buddha Dordenma statue sample was created with clay by well-known Bhutanese Master Jenzop Lopen Sangay of Shaba, Paro, Bhutan.
The construction of Buddha Dordenma was started in 2006. It was completed on 25 September 2015 which was also destined to commemorate the 60th Birth Anniversary of the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Bhutan’s highest religious authority oversaw the consecration, the Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Chhoeda. On 26 June 2019, the organizers of the Buddha Dordenma Project formally transferred authority over the site to the Central Monastic Body.
Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing built the Buddha Statue at Buddha Point for over US$100 million. Rinchen Peter Teo, a businessman from Singapore, sponsored the Buddha Statue Project.
What to See at the Buddha Point
Approaching the Buddha Point from the far right entrance, you will be greeted by a newly built Chorten. The main attraction is the world’s largest Sitting Buddha Dordenma atop the 18.9-meter mandala-shaped meditation hall base.
The Buddha Dordenma is one of the world’s largest and tallest Sitting Buddha statues at 169 feet (52 m). It sits upon a large meditation hall containing 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gold gilded bronze Buddhas.
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is also the world’s biggest Buddha. Buddha Dordenma is rendered in the Bhumisparsha mudra, in which the left palm faces upward. The right hand is pointed downward to the earth, calling her to witness his enlightenment following his triumph over the demon Mara. The gold-gilded bronze Buddha sits majestically blessing the entire valley. The wisdom eye of the Buddha is made from diamonds worth 1 million US$.
Inside the meditation hall, the main statue is Guru Padmasambhava. There is also Zepa Chuni, the 12 deeds of Buddha and paintings of Buddha and his teachings, and Mandalas. Apart from the attention-grabbing Buddha Dordenma, there are wonderful carvings over the chamber around the meditation hall. The most prominent carvings are of Zambala, the God of Wealth, and unique peacocks.
Surrounding the main meditation hall are the gilded bronze Goddesses (Dakinis) or apsara offering the eight auspicious symbols representing good luck in Buddhist culture.
You can also find a little temple that houses a statue of Buddha and a place for butter lamp offerings.
Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park
When you are at Buddha Point, visit Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. This nature park was formally opened in 2011. It was dedicated to the Royal Wedding of His Majesty the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. The Park covers an area of 943.4 acres and has two public outdoor gymnasiums.
Beautified by the fluttering prayer flags and dotted with resting spots, the view down below from the park’s vintage point is breathtaking. Soak yourself in the fresh air of nature as you behold the Buddha Dordenma saying the prayers for all sentient beings.
Best Time to Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue at Buddha Point
The Buddha Point is one of the most frequented sites in Thimphu. There is no such time as the best time to visit. However, people usually travel early in the morning to get fresh air and to see the morning views of the capital city. Some people visit in the evening when the lights illuminate the Buddha Statue. The road to Buddha Point is used daily by cyclists, joggers, and walkers alike. But, as a genuine visitor to get blessed by the Buddha, avoiding rainy days is my only recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Buddha Point built?
Buddha Point was built to fulfill a prophecy from Guru Rinpoche and yogi Sonam Zangpo that foretold the construction of a Buddha statue to bestow blessings of peace and happiness to the world.
When was Buddha Point built?
Buddha Point was built between 2006 and 2015. The construction of the Buddha Dordenma statue started in 2006 and was completed on September 25, 2015.
Who built Buddha Point in Bhutan?
Buddha Point in Bhutan was built by the Buddha Dordenma Project, which was initiated by His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It was built by Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China at over $100 million under the sponsorship of Rinchen Peter Teo, a businessman from Singapore.
What is the height of the Buddha Point?
The Buddha Point, also known as the Buddha Dordenma statue, stands at 169 feet (52 meters).
Which is the biggest sitting Buddha statue in Bhutan?
The biggest sitting Buddha statue in Bhutan is the Buddha Dordenma statue, which stands at a height of 51.5 meters (169 feet) and is located at Buddha Point in Thimphu.
Which is the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world?
The tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world is the Buddha Dordenma at Buddha Point in Thimphu, Bhutan, standing at a height of 169 feet (52 meters).
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