Bhutan Raises One Hundred Eight Stupas for Global Peace Project

Thousands of volunteers and monks began building 108 Buddhist stupas in southern Bhutan on Sunday to serve as the spiritual foundation for a planned global economic hub.

The simultaneous raising of the monuments, known as Jangchub Chortens, commenced at 2:00 AM in the Gelephu Mindfulness City near the border with India.

Each structure will stand 15 meters tall and contain sacred relics donated by Buddhists from several countries, including bone and hair fragments of the Buddha sourced from India.

The massive undertaking aims to promote peace and harmony while marking the eighteenth coronation anniversary of the Bhutanese monarch.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the gathering, traveling to the site after being received by Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

During the proceedings, King Wangchuck dedicated stupa number 76 to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recognize bilateral ties.

Officials noted that the project relies on the efforts of 40,000 trained volunteers and carries an estimated cost of 200,000 dollars per monument.

Choten Dorji, a principal secretary in the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, said, "This is a sacred ceremony of Vajrayana Buddhism and it is seen as the awakening of the Buddha himself."

Monastic leaders selected the number 108 because of its deep significance in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, symbolizing cosmic balance and spiritual completeness.

Mr. Rijiju said, "It's a huge honour for India that very sacred stupa 76 is dedicated to Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji for his outstanding vision and commitment to friendship between India and Bhutan."

The timing of the construction coincides with Lhabab Duchen, a traditional holiday observing the descent of Lord Buddha from heaven.

Organizers plan to complete the consecration of all structures following the construction phase, though officials have not specified a final completion date for the entire project.