Bhutan king dedicates sacred Buddhist stupa to PM Narendra Modi to honour bilateral ties; Rijiju calls it ‘huge honour’
New Delhi: In a special gesture honouring the close ties between the two neighbouring nations, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has dedicated a sacred Buddhist stupa to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The honour recognises the Indian Prime Minister’s role in strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation over the years.
The dedication of Stupa number 76 happened on Sunday during a special ceremony held in Gelephu Mindfulness City. The event marked the raising and consecration of 108 stupas, attended by top dignitaries and local residents.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the spiritual gathering. According to news agency ANI, Rijiju expressed deep gratitude to Bhutan for the move and called it a “huge honour for India.” He also conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s regards and thanks directly to the Bhutanese monarch.
Rijiju attends consecration in Gelephu
Rijiju shared details of the ceremony on social media platform X, noting that the event took place on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen.
In his post on X, 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. On the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen, joined the sacred ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, marking the raising and consecration of 108 stupas, accompanied by the blowing of Dungchens.”
He further said, “Paid my respects and offered prayers in the presence of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, H E Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan & the people of Bhutan. A deeply meaningful spiritual occasion, reflecting Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage and the enduring bonds of friendship between our two nations.”
Significance of the 108 Stupas
Stupas are traditional Buddhist structures linked with the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Originally built to house relics and remains of revered figures, they serve as centres for prayer, meditation, and peace.
The 108 structures consecrated in Gelephu are known as Jangchub Chortens, or Stupas of Enlightenment. In Buddhist tradition, the number 108 carries spiritual weight, commonly seen in prayer beads and rituals aimed at bringing harmony.
Rijiju’s visit to Bhutan runs from October 31 to November 2. Ahead of the consecration ceremony, he also met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay to review ongoing bilateral cooperation and discuss the vision behind the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.