Buddha Dordenma Statue at Buddha Point in Bhutan is one of the world’s largest and tallest sitting Buddha statues. The Buddha statue in Bhutan stands 169 feet (52 meters) tall and sits atop a large meditation hall. The hall contains 100,000 eight-inch-tall and 25,000 twelve-inch-tall gold-gilded bronze Buddhas.
Buddha Point was built between 2006 and 2015 to fulfill a prophecy from Guru Rinpoche and yogi Sonam Zangpo foretelling the construction of a Buddha statue to bestow blessings of peace and happiness on the world.
Buddha Statue was built on the remains of Kuensel Phodrang Palace of the 13th Druk Desi, overlooking Thimphu city at a height of 2500 masl. Apart from being a place of spirituality, the infamous Thimphu Buddha Point is also a place of solace for those who leave the city to feel the calmness of Thimphu.
Lord Buddha is one of the three most significant figures in Bhutan. The other two are Guru Padmasambhava and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
How to Reach Buddha Point
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is located on the hilltop of Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, overlooking Thimphu City in Bhutan. The Buddha Point is 8 km from Thimphu City. Buddha Point is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
You can enter Buddha Point Thimphu from two entrances. The one at the far right is near and doesn’t require much effort to reach the Statue. The first entrance is steep, and you must climb the stairs. You don’t need to book a visit to Buddha Dordenma in advance.
The entry to the Dordenma Buddha Statue is not free anymore. A ticket is mandatory for all international and regional tourists to visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue at Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue). The ticket counters will open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The Buddha Dordenma Statue (Buddha Point) entry fee ticket price is Nu. 500 for adults and Nu. 250 for children aged between 6 and 17 years.
The Prophecies for the Buddha Dordenma Statue
The Buddha Dordenma statue at Buddha Point was built to fulfill an 8th-century prophecy from Guru Rinpoche. More than 600 years ago, Terton Pema Lingpa discovered the ancient terma of Guru Rimpoche, which mentioned the statue being built in Bhutan for peace and happiness.
The specific prophecy stated, “A tönpa dorje dänma (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 encompassing about 943 acres of land designated as the Nature Park. The Buddha Dordenma statue sample was created with clay by a well-known Bhutanese master, Jenzop Lopen Sangay from Shaba, Paro.
The construction of Buddha Dordenma Thimphu started in 2006 and 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, the Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Chhoeda, oversaw the consecration. 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 Bhutan Buddha Statue at Buddha Point for over US$100 million. Rinchen Peter Teo, a businessman from Singapore, sponsored the Buddha Statue Project.
What to See at the Buddha Point
Approaching the Bhutan Buddha Point from the far right entrance, you will be welcomed by a traditional Bhutanese gate and greeted by a newly built Jangchub Chorten. The main attraction is the world’s largest Sitting Buddha Dordenma atop the 18.9-meter mandala-shaped meditation hall base.
The Buddha Dordenma is one of the world’s biggest and tallest sitting Buddha statues at 169 feet or 52 meters. It sits upon a large meditation hall containing 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gold-gilded bronze Buddhas.
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is also the world’s biggest Buddha. Buddha Dordenma is rendered in the Bhumisparsha mudra, in which the left palm faces upward. The right hand is pointed downward to the earth, calling her to witness his enlightenment following his triumph over the demon Mara. The gold-gilded bronze Buddha sits majestically, blessing the entire valley. The wisdom eye of the Buddha is made from diamonds worth 1 million US$.
Inside the meditation hall, the main statue is Guru Padmasambhava. There is also Zepa Chuni, the 12 deeds of Buddha, paintings of Buddha and his teachings, and Mandalas. Apart from the attention-grabbing Buddha Dordenma, there are wonderful carvings in 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) offering the eight auspicious symbols representing good luck in Buddhist culture. Additionally, there is a small temple with a Buddha statue 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.
The view below from the park’s vantage point is stunning, adorned with resting places and fluttering prayer flags. Soak yourself in the fresh air of nature as you behold the Buddha Dordenma, chanting prayers for all sentient beings.
Best Time to Visit Buddha Dordenma, Bhutan
Buddha Point is one of the most frequented sites in Thimphu for tourists and locals. There is no such thing as the best time to visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue at Buddha Point. 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. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Thimphu with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Other Sacred Sites to Explore in Thimphu
Tashichho Dzong: Built in 1216 and rebuilt in 1962, it is a fortress-monastery that houses the king’s throne room, government offices, and the central monastic body. Known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” it blends religious and administrative functions with stunning Bhutanese architecture.
National Memorial Chorten: Also known as Thimphu Chorten, it is a stupa in Thimphu built in memory of the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1974.
Dechenphu Lhakhang: It is a monastery dedicated to Geynyen Jagpa Melen, a powerful protective deity, located at the northern end of the Thimphu Valley in Bhutan. The Temple was constructed in the 12th century by Dampa, the son of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo.
Pangri Zampa Monastery: It is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, founded in the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyal, located 8 kilometers north of Thimphu on the west bank of the Thimphu River.
Cheri Monastery: Also known as Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, it is the first monastery established in Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1620. It is located in the Upper Thimphu Valley, about 15 kilometers north of Thimphu city.
Tango Monastery: The Tango Choying Dzong was founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and rebuilt in its current form in 1688 by the Fourth Temporal Ruler, Tenzin Rabgye. The monastery is perched on a forested hillside near Cheri Mountain, famed for its spiritual legends, particularly the prophecy involving the deity Hayagriva.
Thuji Dra Monastery: Also known as the Cliff of Compassion, it is one of the four cliffs prophesied by Guru Rinpoche to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. The Thujidra Temple is located at an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters, where Phajo saw in a vision Phagpa Thujechenpo while meditating here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Buddha Dordenma Statue?
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is a monumental bronze-and-gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha located on a hilltop in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, overlooking Thimphu, Bhutan. Standing at 51.5 meters (169 feet) tall, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world and symbolizes peace, happiness, and Bhutan’s commitment to Buddhist values.
Where is the Buddha Dordenma Statue located?
The statue is situated in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, within the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. It sits on a hilltop about 20–30 minutes’ drive from the city center, offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.
When was the Buddha Dordenma Statue built?
Construction of the statue began in 2006 and was completed in 2015. It was commissioned by the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, to mark his 60th birthday and to fulfill a prophecy associated with peace and prosperity.
When was Buddha Point built?
Buddha Point was built between 2006 and 2015.
How tall is the Buddha Dordenma Statue?
The Buddha Dordenma Statue stands at 51.5 meters (169 feet) in height, making it one of the tallest Buddha statues globally. The statue rests on a large meditation hall that adds to its overall grandeur.
What is the height of the Buddha Point?
The height of the Buddha statue in Bhutan is 169 feet or 52 meters.
Who built Buddha Point in Bhutan?
Buddha Point in Bhutan was built by the Buddha Dordenma Project, initiated by His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Buddha Dordenma Statue was built by Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China, at a cost of over $100 million under the sponsorship of Rinchen Peter Teo, a businessman from Singapore.
Why was Buddha Point built?
What is inside the Buddha Dordenma Statue?
Inside the statue, there is a meditation hall that can accommodate up to 125 people. The hall houses over 125,000 smaller bronze and gilded Buddha statues, each crafted with intricate detail, making the interior a significant spiritual and artistic attraction.
Is there an entry fee to visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue?
Yes, there is an entry fee of Nu 500 per adult to visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue for international and regional tourists.
What are the visiting hours for the Buddha Dordenma Statue?
The statue and its surrounding park are generally open to visitors from early morning until evening, typically between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. It is advisable to check with local tour operators or your hotel for the most current visiting hours.
How do I get to the Buddha Dordenma Statue from Thimphu city?
The statue is about a 20–30 minute drive from Thimphu city center. Most visitors reach the site by taxi, private car, or as part of a guided tour. The road is well-maintained, and there is parking available near the base of the statue.
Can I take photographs at the Buddha Dordenma Statue?
Photography is allowed in the outer areas and gardens surrounding the statue. However, photography inside the meditation hall and of the smaller Buddha statues is strictly restricted to preserve the sanctity of the space.
What should I wear when visiting the Buddha Dordenma Statue?
Visitors are expected to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and removing hats and sunglasses inside the meditation hall is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable for exploring the park.
Is the Buddha Dordenma Statue suitable for children and elderly visitors?
Yes, the site is family-friendly and accessible for visitors of all ages. The grounds are well-maintained with walking paths, and the short drive from Thimphu makes it convenient for families and elderly travelers.
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). Buddha Dordenma is the biggest Buddha statue in Bhutan.
