JSW Pillar: Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck yesterday graced the consecration and unveiling ceremony of Jigme Singye Wangchuck Pillar at the Royal Institute of Law (RIL) in Taba, Thimphu.

Zhung Dratshang’s Leytshog Lopon consecrated the 16-feet tall pillar. The pillar with zungs has choeten-like significance and people can worship and offer their prayers.

According to the press release, the design and inscriptions are adopted and composed to cover His Majesty’s virtuous actions, the unprecedented achievement of national goals and security, and happiness of the people.

The pillar’s four faces signify the birth of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo as the King of destiny and the living god in Bhutan. It also signifies the identification of the four pillars of the Gross National Happiness (GNH), and spreading of His Majesty’s priceless deeds to all four directions.

The twelve edges of the pillar signify His Majesty’s achievements and reforms brought in governance, which is comparable to Zepa-Chunyi (twelve deeds of the Lord Buddha).

The pillar is placed on platform resembling mandala with four paths leading to it. The paths symbolise four noble truths. The four lions carved on the pillar’s throne symbolise His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

Together, it represent His Majesty as an enlightened being as prophesied by Guru Rinpoche to Terton Drukda Dorji.

On top of the pillar, there is a Dharma Wheel with 34 spokes and a Dorji-Jadram placed at the centre. This signifies indestructibility of the sun, longevity of the Golden Throne, and the 34 years of His Majesty’s reign.

The Zhu covered with clouds signifies supremacy of the Golden Throne and clarity of His Majesty’s action. The jewel surrounded by clouds in the Zhu signifies people’s efforts to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The lotus, beads, leaves, and hanging jewels are the Tree of Jewel (Paksam Jhoenshing), signifying formulation of the GNH.

The four Dungkars at the pillar’s four corners symbolise His Majesty’s kindness and results of unparalleled actions.

The president of RIL, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechen Wangchuck, conceived the idea of making this unique and significant pillar made of mint-yellow sandstone to commemorate His Majesty’s 60th birth anniversary.

The sandstone was imported from Rajasthan, India, and the work of stone art was outsourced to Laxmi Stone Art in Rajasthan.

The Jigme Singye Wangchuck Pillar will be the landmark monument of the law school in Pangbisa, Paro.

Dechen Tshomo