June 30: The restored National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu has been consecrated on Saturday, June 28.

The ceremony was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Their Majesties the Queens, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck and members of the royal family graced the consecration ceremony.

This is one of the most sacred Buddhist spots built in memory of the father of modern Bhutan, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 under the initiative of Late Mayum Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. The national monument was renovated as part of activities to celebrate the coronation and centenary celebrations.

The renovation included the drasha, choekhang, a butter lamp offering house, traditional pavilion for lhamu statue, two new incense burners and an open hall for 10 large prayer wheels. The renovation works for the National Memorial Chorten was carried out at the cost of about Nu. 28 million.

Chorten has a larger surrounding area to accommodate over a thousand visitors. It also has new retaining walls. The memorial Chorten was designed by the Late Dudjom Rinpoche and built under the direct guidance of many Buddhists rinpoches including Late Lam Sonam Zangpo and Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. According to a news release, the Gyalyong Jhedren Chorten was restored as a tribute and to commemorate life and deed of a great King.

It will also cater to the need for a larger spiritual space in the capital city.

The Prime Minister, Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley, cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials and representatives from the international community were also present.