Phurpa Lhamo | Punakha 

Phurjang (cremation) ceremony of His Holiness the late 68th Je Khenpo Tenzin Doendrup was held at Punakha Dzong on November 7. The purjang ceremony began around 6:45am.

The ceremony was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo and Lopns of the Zhung Dratshang.

His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and the members of the Royal Family attended the state funeral.

The Prime Minister, senior government officials, and representatives of international organisations in Bhutan also attended the ceremony.

His Holiness the 68th Je Khenpo Tenzin Doendrup passed away on the auspicious 15th day of the second month of the Male Iron Rat Year at his residence in Dodena, Thimphu. His Holiness was 95.

According to Khenpo Nima of Tango Dorden Buddhist University, purthoe, immersing of His Holiness’s ashes into the river, would take place at Thangzona near the Punakha dzong On Tuesday, November 10.

The purjang ceremony took place with His Holiness the Je Khenpo on the east of the purdung (pyre), Dorji Lopen on the west, Tshogki Lopen on the south, and Tsugla Lopen on the north.

His Holiness the 68th Je Khenpo Tenzin Doendrup was born in Shar Phading Kha in Wangdue Phodrang in 1925 to father Ugyen and mother Tsheltrium.

His Holiness began monastic education at the age of seven. At 62, His Holiness became the 68th Je Khenpo in 1986.

Je Khenpo Tenzin Doendrup instituted Tango as the first-ever Buddhist institute for higher studies in Bhutan. He also established the meditation center at Chari and opened many Buddhist schools and district monasteries around the country.

His Holiness also issued a decree to all the people across the country to stop the practices of animal sacrifice while performing annual rituals.

His Holiness implemented Drupchen in district monasteries and revised and reformed the art of performing ritual and rites.

In 1990, His Holiness stepped down as the Je Khenpo and settled at Chari monastery.