Celebration: Trongsa joined the nation to celebrate the first birth anniversary of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey with the consecration of the Gyalsey Jangchub Choeten in Tashiling under Tangsibji, Trongsa yesterday.

The six-metre high choeten is called the Gyalsey Jangchub Choeten and stands on an eight-decimal plot of land above Tashiling Lhakhang.

Tashiling is some three kilometres before Tshangkha village from Thimphu towards Trongsa and it is said to be the geographic centre of the country.

The choeten houses a statue of Guru Rinpoche in its bumpa.

Tongsa Dzongdag Sonam Rinchen said that the Gyalsey Jangchub Choeten symbolises the collective prayers for the continued wellbeing, peace and security of the Tsawa-Sum (King, country and people) as it is built in the centre of the country.

He said the Trongsa dzongkhag administration mobilised the fund for the choeten construction. “His Majesty’s Secretariat provided the Zing and relics,” he added.

A press release from the Trongsa dzongkhag administration stated that the dzongdag as the overall coordinator was responsible for mobilising funds and materials for the construction of the choeten.

It is believed that Tashiling was once a hotspot for evil spirits that harmed people living around the area and those who had to travel through. The late Polu khenpo prophesied that if a temple and a stupa are built in the area, the issue would be addressed.

Following the prophecy, Tashiling temple was constructed under the guidance of His Holiness the Je Khenpo Truelku Jigme Choeda but the choeten could not be built due to budget unavailability.

Dzongdag Sonam Rinchen said the Gyalsey Jangchub Choeten has been built using local stones.

Finance minister Namgay Dorji, economic affairs minister Lekey Dorji, Nubi-Tangsigji MP Nidup Zangpo and Trongsa’s NC representative Tharchen took part in the occasion along with Trongsa’s local leaders and the people.

Nima Wangdi | Trongsa

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