Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten is a monumental replica of Bodhgaya’s Mahabodhi Temple, rising 291 feet high and 256 feet wide in Trashiling, under the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The stupa was conceived to embody the enlightened mind of the Buddha in physical form.
Under the guidance of His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, His Eminence Trizin Tsering Rinpoche (Lam Tshering Wangdi) is leading the spiritual project. Lam Tshering Wangdi is also the master builder of the Great Buddha Dordenma Statue at Kuensel Phodrang.
Tashi Gomang is one of the 14 spiritual landmarks currently being built in GMC.
Location of Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten
Dordhen Tashi Gomang Chorten is situated behind the Gelephu Forest Range Office in Trashiling Demkhong, under the jurisdiction of Gelephu Thromde, on a 21-acre site within Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Background of Dorden Tashi Gomang
On May 12, 2025, His Majesty the King granted Royal Kashos (sacred Royal Edicts) approving eight spiritual projects for Gelephu Mindfulness City. The ceremonial handover was held at Simtokha Dzong, where Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen Namgyel formally presented the Royal Edicts in a traditional ceremony.
The eight approved spiritual projects are:
- Gelephu Dzong (Shambhala Dzong)
- Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten
- Barchey Kuensel Chorten
- Vajrakilaya Research Centre
- Kurkulee Centre
- Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling
- Kangyur Labyrinth
- Gyenyen Nyekhang
In addition, two Royal Projects, the Gelephu Chorten and Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang, along with a Tabab Chorten by the Central Monastic Body, have been approved for immediate construction.
History of Dorden Tashi Gomang Stupa
Following His Majesty’s historic announcement of Gelephu Mindfulness City, His Eminence Trizin Tsering Rinpoche envisioned a spiritual project to build as a universal symbol of peace, compassion, and enlightenment, reflecting the spiritual aspirations of GMC.
Therefore, His Eminence conceived a stupa inspired by the Dorjidhen Stupa in Bodh Gaya, a sacred site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. Upon blessing the project, His Holiness the Je Khenpo bestowed the name Dorden Tashi Gomang, meaning “Infinite Auspicious Truth.”
Construction of Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten
On 30 January 2025, His Holiness the Je Khenpo presided over the Salang Tendrel (ground-breaking ceremony), consecrating the land and laying the spiritual foundation of the stupa.
The project is being executed under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Trizin Tsering Rinpoche, with Arup, a global engineering and sustainable development consultancy, overseeing the design and construction of the Chorten.
For the general public, you can support the construction of this sacred stupa by becoming a sponsor. You can make an offering to the Dorden Tashi Gomang Foundation.
Description of Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten
Dordhen Tashi Gomang Chorten will stand 291 feet tall and 256 feet wide, slightly revised from the originally planned 301 feet in height. The structure will feature bronze cladding and a reinforced concrete core to ensure resilience against earthquakes and storms, safeguarding it for millennia as a timeless spiritual monument.
The Inner Sanctum (Choeten Zung)
The Choeten Zung at the heart of the Stupa will contain relics and offerings that embody the enlightened body, speech, and mind of the Buddha. These sacred relics and offerings will transform the stupa into a living mandala, radiating blessings, purification, and merit across the world.
Key sacred relics include:
- Buddha Kāśyapa Tooth Relic: 18 inches tall, sealed within a 3-kg gold reliquary
- Yeshey Sempa (Vajrasattva) statues on every level
- Phebdhung Ringsel enshrined in four directional Choetens
- 100,000 Chador (Vajrapani) statues
- 216 sacred wealth vases (Sachu Bumtoer & Yangbum)
- 100 million Tsha-Tsha miniature stupas, each containing relics and mantras
The Eight Holy Stupas Within
Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten will also enshrine eight miniature stupas representing the eight major events in the Buddha’s life.
The 8 Great Buddhist Stupas of Buddha are:
- The Lotus Blossom Stupa (Birth): Commemorates Siddhartha Gautama’s birth in Lumbini
- The Enlightenment Stupa (Bodhgaya): Marks Gautama’s attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree
- The Stupa of Turning the Wheel of Dharma (Sarnath): Symbolizes Buddha’s First Teaching in the Deer Park
- The Great Miracle Stupa (Shravasti): Represents the miraculous deeds performed at Jetavana Grove
- The Stupa of the Descent from Tushita (Sankasya): Commemorates Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realms
- The Stupa of Reconciliation (Vaishali): Signifies the reconciliation among the monks
- The All-Victorious Stupa (Rajgir): Honors Buddha’s victory over Mara and obstacles
- The Parinirvana Stupa (Kushinagar): marks Buddha’s final passing into Nirvana
Conclusion
With construction now underway, Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten serves as one of the profound spiritual foundations for Gelephu Mindfulness City, firmly rooted in Bhutan’s sacred heritage and His Majesty’s visionary leadership. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of GMC with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
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