Hike to the Buddha Dordenma

by sjsonnenbergmd
View from Buddha Point, overlooking the southern Thimphu valley

We undertook our first challenging hike today, leaving the city to walk the road to the Buddha Dordenma, a massive 51.5 meter tall statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

Buddha Dordenma as seen from the market bridge over the Thimphu Chu. Completed in 2015, the monument celebrated the 60th anniversary of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wamchuck and the Centennial of the Bhutan Monarchy.
Prayer flags adorned the landscape nearly the entire way. The ascent was from 2339 meters (7673 feet) to 2657 meters (8717 feet) over 6.2 km, the first true test of our acclimation to altitude.
Hindu temple to soon be dedicated
Fellow pilgrims
Almost there
Another 100 meters of steps
The Buddha Dendornma was built to fulfill an ancient prophecy and bestow blessings, peace and happiness on the entire world.


The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is made of gilded cast bronze.
100,000 eight inch Buddha statues of copper and gold fill the entire body of the Buddha.

The walls of the temple and meditation halls beneath are lined with 25,000 twelve inch Shakyamuni Buddhas of copper and gold, along with portraits of saints and royalty. Within the temple are 18 statues ranging from five to sixteen feet, including the four faced Vairochana Buddha, seven sitting Reunion Buddhas, eight sitting Medicine Buddhas and eight Bodhisattvas. Unfortunately, no interior photos allowed.
Chorten detail
In another life a princess?
Heading for home
Reflection

2 Comments

  2. Fascinating. Enjoy all the information with the pictures. Quite a climb to make at that altitude. Looks like you’re adjusting fast.

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