Kurukulle Centre is a sacred living mandala dedicated to Jetsunma Kurukulle, the Goddess of Magnetizing Enlightened Activities in Vajrayana Buddhism. It is being built in Pemaling under the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), with the patronage of His Eminence Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche.
The centre is designed as a sacred anchor for the city, featuring a main temple housing the Kurkulee Tara statue.
Kurukulle Center will become one of the 22 spiritual landmarks of Gelephu Mindfulness City, positioning it as a global hub for mindfulness and spiritual exploration.
Location of Kurukulle Centre
The Kurkulee Centre will be constructed on a 25-acre site in Pemaling, Serzhong, under Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Background of Kurkulee Centre
Kurkulee Centre is one of the eight spiritual projects under GMC, approved by His Majesty The King on May 12, 2025. The Royal Edicts were handed over by Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen Namgyel at Simtokha Dzong in a traditional ceremony.
The other projects that received the Royal Kasho include:
- Shambhala Dzong (Gelephu Dzong)
- Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten
- Barchey Kuensel Chorten
- Vajrakilaya Research Centre
- Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling
- Drikung Kangyur Labyrinth
- Gyenyen Nyekhang
In addition, two Royal Projects, the Gelephu Chorten and Guru Nangsi Zilnon Lhakhang, along with Ugyen Norlha Chorten by the Central Monastic Body, bring the total number of sacred projects in GMC to 22.
Spiritual Significance of the Kurukulle Centre
The Kurukulee Centre is dedicated to a revered female deity, Jetsunma Kurukulle, the Goddess of Magnetizing Enlightened Activities in Vajrayana Buddhism. She is traditionally depicted in radiant red and embodies compassion in action, the ability to transform attachment into wisdom, and to attract favorable conditions and spiritual resonance.
Construction of Kurkulle Center
On 12 June 2025, His Eminence Gangteng Trulku Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyel Rinpoche established an executive committee to oversee the project’s development. The inaugural meeting was held at the Gangteng Buddhist University.
Later, on 19 September 2025, the Kurukulee Centre Project Head Office was formally inaugurated by Gangteng Trulku Rinpoche and Thuksey Yangsi Rinpoche. This office will serve as the central body to oversee the planning and execution.
On 3 October 2025, Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche visited the Pemaling site in Serzhong to inspect the land allocated for the Kurukulle Centre.
13 March 2026: Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the Salhang Tendrel of the Kurukulee Centre in Gelephu Mindfulness City. Her Royal Highness Princess Deki Yangzom Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness Princess Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck, and Ashi Yeatso Lhamo accompanied Her Majesty.
The project is estimated to cost over Nu 2 billion, with generous support from international donors. The main temple is expected to be completed within five years. For more details, visit the official website of Kurukulee Centre.
Description of Kurkulee Centre
The Kurukulee Centre is designed as a “living mandala”, blending sacred architecture, landscape design, and daily Buddhist practice into one harmonious space.
At the heart of a 25-acre site will be a five-story main temple, built according to traditional Buddhist principles and sacred geometry. The project features a series of colorful concentric rings forming a circumambulatory path, encouraging visitors to engage in mindful walking and spiritual reflection.
The key features include:
- A grand open shrine hall with the main statue of Lhamo Kurukulle, radiating the “blessing of magnetizing enlightened activity” on the ground floor;
- The upper floors will enshrine statues of Guru Rinpoche, Yidam deities, and lineage masters;
- A Dharma teaching pavilion;
- Meditation and retreat facilities;
- A healing center and a healing garden;
- Mani walls and circumambulation paths;
- Accommodation for monks and visitors;
- An amphitheater for spiritual events.
Every element of the design reflects balance, harmony, and spiritual purpose, creating an environment ideal for deep practice and inner peace.
Conclusion
The Kurukulee Centre is an iconic religious monument that will stand alongside other significant spiritual and cultural landmarks within the Gelephu Mindfulness City. It is expected to serve as a spiritual home for seekers from Bhutan and around the world for meditation, study, and Vajrayana Buddhist practice. As it takes shape, this sacred project will stand as an expression of His Majesty’s visionary leadership and Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of the Gelephu Mindfulness City with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
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