| His
Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
| The 5th Druk Gyalpo |
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Bhutan Royal Family The King |
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Bhutan Royal Family |
| The
Coronation 2008 Links |
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Coronation
2008: Celebration Days |
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The
world witnessed a historical phenomenon on November 6 when the fourth
Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck,
offered the Raven Crown to His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.
For the Bhutanese people it was an overwhelming moment when the past, present,
and future merged.
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sacred moment took place in the chamber of the Golden Throne in Tashichhodzong,
witnessed by several generations of the Bhutanese royal family, leaders
of all branches of the government and security forces, and special guests
that included Indian President, Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, the Congress
President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and her son and daughter, Rahul and Priyanka. |
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The
crowning ceremony included the offerings of the symbols of body, speech,
and mind by the clergy, government, judiciary, legislature, and the military.
His Holiness the Je Khenpo also offered to His Majesty the empowerment
of the Universal Emperor - the symbols of dharma, fortitude, swiftness,
fulfillment, devotion, wisdom, and valour.
His
Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, His
Holiness the Je Khenpo, and the dignitaries offered the Thridar (auspicious scarves conveying good wishes) to His Majesty. His Majesty
the King received the Thridar from trulkus and lams and Hindu priests and
diplomatic representatives from more than 30 countries in the Kuenra (congregation hall) of the Zhung Dratshang (central monk body) and
then from thousands of people, who had come from all parts of the country,
in the Tendrel Thang outside the Dzong.
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On
November 1, in Punakha Dzong,
His Majesty the King received the sacred empowerment of the five elements
from Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The crowning ceremony in Thimphu
symbolizes the personification of His Majesty as Jarog Dongchhen,
one of the three powerful protector deities of Bhutan, the other two manifestations
being Yeshey Goembo and Pelden Lhamo. Jarog Dongchhen, who is depicted
with a raven head, is the compassionate and terrifying figure whose wrath
can demolish negativity that are obstacles on the path to enlightenment.
The
figure of the Supreme Warrior vests in the Druk Gyalpo the mandate
to protect the nation and to ensure unity and harmony among the people.
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The Raven
Crown - and the Bhutanese Monarchy - are symbols of the country's rich
mythological history, dating back to the 17th century. It is believed that Mahakala took the form of a raven to guide Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to Bhutan.
Assuming the form of Jarog Dongchhen, with a raven head, Mahakala helped
the Zhabdrung overcome daunting challenges both within and from
outside the country as he built the Bhutanese polity.
In 1885
Jigme Namgyel first wore the Raven Crown, designed by Lam Jangchub
Tsundru from Tsang Yengoen in Tibet. Every King of the Wangchuck dynasty
has then been enthroned with the Raven Crown. With the crowning
of the fifth Druk Gyalpo, therefore, Bhutan's past and present converges
to forge a path for the future. |
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This
royal transition symbolizes the unique transformation of a national polity
and faith in a new leadership. Bhutan is celebrating this change. Bhutan
is also celebrating stability and continuity through change.
The
Coronation celebrations this past week conveyed the strong message that
the strength of the Bhutanese system is drawn from the fidelity between
the Monarch and the people. This bond grew stronger than ever as His Majesty
the King chose to be with the people on his Coronation.
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Coronation Celebrations 2008:
The
4th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| In
his Coronation address His Majesty the King described the qualities of
a good human being as "honesty, kindness, charity, integrity, unity, respect
for our culture and traditions, love for our country and for God". He himself
personified these qualities this week, being happiest when he is with innocent
young children, with people in Buddhist practice, and people from all parts
of the country, from all walks of life. |
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Thousands
of foreign nationals who attended the Coronation were unanimous in their
view that the King of Bhutan is at home with his people.
"I
look at the Bhutanese people today and I see that everyone is so joyful
about the ceremony," said the Japanese ambassador, Mr Hideaki Domichi.
"We hope that this joy, prosperity, and peace continue. We are very pleased
to be a part of the event and we would like to congratulate Bhutan for
the coronation of the King and the smooth transition to democracy. Our
support and cooperation will continue."
Nepal's
Ambassador, Dr Durgesh Man Singh, said that it was rare to witness such
a great auspicious occasion. "I am glad I was a part of the event that
symbolises unity and spirit among the people," he siad. "Being unique in
its own ways, Bhutan enjoys its own unique system and people have pride
and respect, especially for the Monarchs. The most important thing for
a country is that the people are happy and I see that in Bhutan."
The
Thai ambassador, Mr Chirasak Thanesnant, said that all the people of Thailand loved His Majesty, who had visited Thailand during the 60th
anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascension to the Throne.
"We also hold our Monarchy in high regard," he said. "We, the people of
Thailand, join the Bhutanese in wishing His Majesty happiness, prosperity
and good health on this day.
Denmark's
ambassador, Mrs Ole Lonsmann Poulsen, described the Coronation as "a wonderful
experience". "In Denmark we have a Monarchy also and the Queen is an extremely
respected person in the society. Most of all, the Coronation is being celebrated
not only by a few but involving the whole people which is really amazing.
I appreciate the people, who are more into quality of life than wealth,
and it is one thing which many developed countries couldn't achieve."
The
Chinese ambassador to India, Mr Zhang Yan, said that it was a lifetime
opportunity for him to be a part of the historic event. "The immense joy
and happiness expressed by the people of Bhutan to mark the occasion is
remarkable," he said. "My presence, representing the Chinese government,
during the coronation is a testimony that Bhutan and China share
good bilateral relations."
The American
ambassador to India, Mr David Mulford, said that the Coronation ceremony
was something he would remember for the rest of his life. "I bring the
greetings of the American people, President Bush, President elect Obama
and we are deeply impressed by the democratisation process, which has been
going on for a long time.
Guest
of honour, President Pratibha Patil of India said that the enthusiasm,
with which the people of Bhutan have participated, reflects their respect
and reverence for the Monarchy. "It's not often that a father has the opportunity
to confer his blessings on a son in the manner I witnessed at the Coronation,"
said the president.
"With
democratic elections earlier this year, His Majesty the Fourth King has
ushered in democracy in Bhutan, reposing his faith and trust in his people
to continue Bhutan on its path of peace, progress and prosperity. A new
youthful generation will now guide Bhutan towards a brilliant future under
the able leadership of the young King."
President
Pratibha described this year as a historic year with the Coronation of
His Majesty, the celebration of the centenary of the Wangchuck dynasty
and the establishment of a democratically elected government, which by
coincidence was the golden jubilee of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to Bhutan
in 1958.
The
president has invited His Majesty to visit India at His Majesty's earliest
convenience.
| This
article was contributed by Passang Norbu, Rinzin Wangchuk & Kesang
Dema, KUENSEL, Bhutan's National Newspaper, 2008 |
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External
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| Bhutan
2008 |
Celebration
of the centenary of Monarchy
official
website |
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Tashichhodzong |
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