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Bhutan's
Culture |
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Bhutan Information |
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Druk
Wangyal Khangzang: Monument
funded by the Queen
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HM Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
and
HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck
The
monument was conceptualised, initiated, and funded by Her Majesty Ashi
Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck with some contributions from well-wishers. |
Artisans
and workers compared the building of the chhortens to a kurim, made more
meaningful because it happened at a time when Bhutan faced grave security
threats from the presence of the Indian militants in the south.
The
300 permanent workers at the site were helped by thousands of pilgrims,
Buddhist practitioners, and daily travellers who stopped to volunteer their
services and to earn merit. Busloads of men and women, elderly devotees
and young children carried mud, stone, and sand as the monument came up.
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According to the supervising architect, Karma Wangchuk, the Chhortens took
shape with an energy that no one had anticipated and fit into the natural
surrounding in a way that was not foreseen.
Excluding
the precious zungs and offerings the monument cost more than Nu. 15 million
and involved massive physical effort. But the work was done without fuss
and thousands of workers and observers were deeply affected as they watched
the monument grow in size, image, and spirituality. "Dochula has become
a special experience for every Bhutanese and every traveller who passes
by," one amazed observer said.
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| Source:
KUENSEL, Bhutan's National Newspaper |
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Dochula |
| Information on Bhutan |
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