Bhutan Buddha Statues and Sacred Places
Author : Peter Vredeveld
Bhutan - A Buddhist country and beholds a large number of antique Buddha statues.
Bhutan and Buddhism
The Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the landlocked countries in Southeast Asia, located in the eastern Himalayas. Most Bhutanese in Bhutan follow and support Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism, an official religion of Bhutan. The Buddhism practiced in Bhutan originated from Tibetan Buddhism. Still, the rituals, festivals, and liturgy practiced in Bhutan are pretty different from originality, and the monastery's structure also has significant differences.
Buddha in Bhutan
The kingdom of Bhutan is sometimes also called the land of the Dragon and is home to some of the most exquisite Buddha monasteries in the world. It is also home to one of the gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statues in the world.
Let's see some of these exquisite sites and statues that reside in the mountains of Bhutan:
- Buddha Dordenma Statue:
This gigantic statue of Buddha also called the Dordenma Buddha, is one of the world's most giant statues of Buddha. This statue of Buddha measures about 51.5 meters and is made of Bronze and gilded in gold. Dordenma Buddha statue houses over 125000 small Buddha statues, among which 100000 are about 8-inch tall and 25000 12-inch small Buddha statues.
The Dordenma Buddha statue is located in the Mountain of Kuenselphodrong Nature Park. It is believed that the Dordenma Buddha Statue fulfills an ancient prophesy that dates back to the 12th century A.D., which is said to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world. Famous yogi Sonam Zangpo prophesied this during the 12th century.
- Taktsang Dzong:
Worldwide renowned as Tiger's Nest, Taktsang Dzong is also Paro Taktsang. This famous site is located on the Cliffside of Paro Valley in Bhutan. It is among the most critical and favorite Himalayan Buddhist sacred sites and temple complexes. According to history, it is said that the renowned guru Padmasambhava meditated on this holy site for three months.
The beauty of this complex is unexplainable. There is a famous history of how Taktsang Dzong got its "Tiger's Nest." It is said that the guru flew here in fear of a tigress. This site is the most famous symbol of Bhutan. One of the access routes to Tiger's Nest from the valley (3,000 meters below the Dzong) is Hundred Thousand Fairies, and the view is quite magical and spectacular.
- Punakha Dzong:
Another famous and vital monastery that lies in Bhutan is Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, has quite a spectacular meaning, i.e., the palace of great happiness or bliss. This palace is the second oldest and second largest Dzong that can be found in Bhutan and one of its majestic structures.
This monastery lies between the confluences of two rivers with such a spectacular name. The name of these two rivers is Pho Chhu, and the second is Mo Chhu; if we translate them, they mean father and mother. This palace is similar to that this palace is positioned between father and mother.
- Tongsa – The Door to Heaven:
Tongsa, presently known as Trongsa, is home to the largest monastery in the Bhutan mountains and was built in 1648. The spectacular view from Tongsa monastery is so beautiful that to define its beauty, it is sometimes also referred to as "The Door to Heaven."
The kingdom of Bhutan is one of the exquisite countries home to some of the most beautiful and sacred places of Buddha.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bhutan is an exquisite country, home to some of the most beautiful and sacred Buddhist sites. Each place carries a rich history and cultural significance, from the towering Buddha Dordenma Statue to the iconic Tiger's Nest at Taktsang Dzong. These sites showcase the deep-rooted connection between Bhutan and Buddhism and offer a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural beauty of this Himalayan kingdom. To truly appreciate the wonders of Bhutan, one must explore these treasures firsthand, immersing oneself in the serene landscapes and profound spirituality that define this unique nation.
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