Monument: His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck graced the Trashi Rabney (consecration ceremony) of the newly built Gaden Choling Lhakhang in Gyalpozhing, Mongar yesterday.

The ceremony, presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, was dedicated to commemorate the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

The Gyaltshab offered prayers in the lhakhang for the wellbeing of His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the country and all sentient beings.

The Nu 9.73M (million) structure funded by Kurichu Hydropower Plant and Druk Green Power Corporation was built for the wellbeing of the Tsa-Wa-Sum and benefit of Gyalpozhing community. HRH Gyaltshab on behalf of His Majesty The King granted Sertog for the Lhakhang.

A three-day tshechu also commenced in the lhakhang coinciding with the consecration ceremony.

On November 3, HRH Gyaltshab also graced the consecration ceremony of the newly built statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the form of Nangsi Zilnoen at Takila in Lhuentse.

A weeklong Chhimi Tshogti Drubchhen (great accomplishment prayers of long life) preceded the consecration ceremony dedicated to the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

More than 5,000 people including guests, monks and local devotees from Bhutan and over 500 disciples, devotees and sponsors from abroad attended the ceremony.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, the agriculture and foreign ministers attended the ceremony besides parliament members of Lhuentse, Lam Netens and dzongdags of the eastern dzongkhags.

Under the chairmanship of Khenpo Karpo, Druk Odiyana Foundation managed and executed the construction of the world’s largest statue (157 feet) of Guru Nangsi Zilnoen. The foundation stone was laid in 2004 but the actual construction works started in 2007 and was completed last month. The total expenditure on the project as of October was about Nu. 655.7M which Druk Odiyana Foundation received from the government, religious institutions, private individuals, devotees and disciples from Bhutan and across the world.

Besides the giant statue, eight choetens surrounding the statue, hostels and academic blocks for over 300 monks, residences for Lams and teachers, guest houses, and retreat houses were also constructed as part of the project.

Besides others, the statue contains 100,000 statues of Guru Dewa, Buddhist scriptures and numerous invaluable precious relics and sacred articles.

HRH Gyaltshab on November 2 met 27 students studying in various schools of Lhuentse, who were identified for His Majesty’s Kidu. The students, from disadvantaged backgrounds, will be enrolled as Gyalpoi Tozeys and receive financial allowances from His Majesty The King to meet their education expenses annually so that they can continue their studies.

A press release from the Office of the Gyaltshab states that HRH Gyaltshab told the students to work hard and excel in studies so that they can not only become independent and support their families but also serve the nation better, thereby fulfilling His Majesty’s aspirations for our country.

HRH also met nine destitute elderly people from various gewogs in Lhuentse who will also be receiving monthly living allowances from His Majesty The King. HRH also granted Tokha and other soelra to the students and needy people on behalf of His Majesty The King.

Later in the afternoon, HRH visited Jangchubling Gonpa in Lhuentse and offered prayers for the wellbeing of His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the country and all sentient beings. On the way, HRH inspected earthen pottery at Gangzur, Lhuentse and interacted with the local people who offered tshogchhang.

Staff reporter

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