Buddha Dordenma statue, Bronze Buddha statue in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Buddha Dordenma is a colossal bronze statue that stands on a mountain overlooking the Thimphu valley, supported by a three-story base structure with interior spaces. The entire outer surface is covered in gold leaf, and the interior cavity is filled with smaller bronze Buddha statues from top to bottom.
Construction began in 2006 and was completed in September 2015 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bhutan's fourth king. The project involved collaboration between local craftspeople and international specialists working together to realize this monumental vision.
The meditation hall at the base houses thousands of Buddha figures that visitors use as a place for prayer and reflection. This collection shows how spiritual practice is woven into the everyday life of those who visit and live nearby.
The site is accessible via a paved road called Buddha Point with parking available and rest areas along the route. The surrounding natural setting with outdoor fitness areas makes it suitable for spending time outdoors, so allow yourself enough time to explore the full experience.
The interior holds roughly twice as many small Buddha figures as there are people living in Thimphu, making it an extraordinarily dense spiritual container. This hidden collection tucked inside the body of the structure remains invisible to most visitors, yet it is striking to imagine all those thousands of statues stacked within.
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