Bhutan Builds 108 Stupas in 9 Hours, Dedicates Chorten No

Introduction

• Latest News: Bhutan erected and consecrated 108 Buddhist stupas, also called Jangchub Chortens, in approximately nine hours at the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City on 1 November 2026.
• Dedication to PM Modi: Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck dedicated Chorten No. 76 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of India’s support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
• Indian Representation: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the ceremony and conveyed the Prime Minister’s gratitude to the King of Bhutan.

Important Features of the Project

• Project Name: Project 108.
• Number of Stupas: 108 Buddhist stupas were erected simultaneously.
• Participation: Approximately 40,000 volunteers, monks and artisans participated in the initiative.
• Height: Each stupa is approximately 15 metres tall.
• Distance: The stupas are separated by 108 metres.
• Location: Along the Aie (Mau) River within Gelephu Mindfulness City, near the Assam border.
• Total Stretch: Approximately 11.7 km.
• Religious Significance: The project aims to establish Gelephu Mindfulness City as a prominent centre of Vajrayana Buddhism and showcase Bhutanese cultural values.

What Are Stupas?

• Meaning: A stupa is a dome-shaped Buddhist religious structure associated with the Buddha and Buddhist teachings.
• Purpose: They may contain sacred relics, scriptures and other religious objects.
• Symbolism: Stupas represent the Buddha’s enlightened mind and the path towards enlightenment.
• Worship: Buddhists traditionally perform circumambulation (walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction) as an act of devotion.

Important Buddhist Terms

• Jangchub Chorten: A Tibetan Buddhist term for a stupa associated with enlightenment.
• Chorten: The Tibetan term for a Buddhist stupa.
• Vajrayana Buddhism: A form of Mahayana Buddhism that uses tantric practices, rituals, mantras and meditation to attain enlightenment.
• Dungchen: Long traditional Tibetan Buddhist horns used during religious ceremonies.
• Zhabto: Bhutanese tradition of voluntary service for religious and community initiatives.

Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)

• Location: Gelephu, southern Bhutan, near the Indian border.
• Concept: An initiative envisioned by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
• Objective: To develop a modern urban centre based on Bhutanese cultural values, environmental sustainability and citizens’ well-being.
• Economic Significance: It is envisioned as a global economic and investment hub.
• India-Bhutan Cooperation: India has reaffirmed its support for the project, which has potential to promote development in neighbouring Indian regions.

Lhabab Düchen

• Meaning: Lhabab Düchen is an important Buddhist festival commemorating the descent of Gautama Buddha from the heavenly realm.
• Significance: It is one of the major sacred days in Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
• Occasion: The 108-stupa ceremony coincided with Lhabab Düchen and the 18th Coronation Anniversary of Bhutan’s King.

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the 108 stupas constructed in Bhutan:

1. They were constructed in Gelephu Mindfulness City.
2. Each stupa is approximately 15 metres tall.
3. They are located along the Aie (Mau) River.
4. Stupa No. 76 was dedicated to the Prime Minister of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

• All four statements are correct.
• The 108 stupas were erected along the Aie (Mau) River in Gelephu Mindfulness City.
• Bhutan’s King dedicated Stupa No. 76 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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