Bhutan to Enshrine Sacred Indian Relics in 108 Stupas for New Economic City

Buddhist relics from India will be placed inside 108 new stupas built along the Mau Chhu River in Bhutan on Sunday. Monks and volunteers are constructing these structures at the same time in the town of Gelephu. This event marks the spiritual base of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which is planned as a global economic hub driven by spirituality.

Project Details

The town of Gelephu sits about 240 kilometres south-southeast of Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, and borders Assam's Chirang district. The Central Monastic Body of Bhutan stated that Buddhists from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Bhutan donated hundreds of relics, mostly consisting of bones and hair. Choten Dorji, the Principal Secretary to a monastic master, noted that Malaysia sent three sets of 108 relics from the Buddha, saints, and lamas, while Thailand also provided many. Most of these sacred items were traced back to India. These relics form part of the zung, which represents the living body, speech, and mind of the Buddha. Each stupa, known as a jangchub chorten, will stand 15 metres tall and sit 108 metres apart along a 12-kilometre stretch.

King's Vision

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk arrived in Gelephu with his royal entourage on Saturday. Sunday marks his 18th coronation anniversary as well as Lord Buddha's Descending Day and Mother's Day in Bhutan. Back on February 26, King Wangchuk called Project 108 a test of national character rather than a record-breaking attempt. He stated that the ambitious project requires courage, unity, and deep commitment. Officials reported that 40,000 trained volunteers are helping with the work. Each stupa is estimated to cost 200,000 dollars, with funds coming from individuals, families, and groups around the world. Monks explained that the number 108 holds deep meaning in astronomy, Tibetan Buddhism, and Hinduism, symbolising cosmic balance and spiritual completeness.

Context

Bhutan often uses Buddhist traditions and cultural values to guide its modern development plans, such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. The country borders India and maintains close spiritual and economic ties with its neighbour. Major infrastructure and community projects in Bhutan frequently rely on wide public participation and volunteer work.