LUMBINI, JUNE 28
Bhutan has officially begun construction of its long-awaited temple complex in Lumbini, marking a new milestone in the cultural and spiritual ties between Nepal and Bhutan.
The Salhang-Tendrel (ground-breaking ceremony) for the Bhutan Temple Complex was held on Friday in the Sacred Garden of Lumbini in the presence of senior officials and religious leaders from both countries.
The ceremony was presided over by His Eminence Dorji Lopon and senior monks of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body. Bhutan's delegation was led by Home Affairs Minister Tshering, while Nepal was represented by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel, who also chairs the Lumbini Development Trust.
The temple complex will be built on an 80-by-80 metre plot allocated by the Lumbini Development Trust in the Western Monastic Zone, adjacent to the central canal and the main road leading to the Maya Devi Temple. The site is the last remaining plot under the original Lumbini Development Master Plan prepared by renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange.
Fully funded by the Royal Government of Bhutan at an estimated cost of Nu. 160 million, the project will feature a traditional Bhutanese Dzong-style complex centred around a distinctive three-storey temple inspired by the Utse of Tango Monastery. The complex will also include residences for monks and facilities for pilgrims and visitors.
Preparatory work, including site clearance and construction of the boundary wall, has already been completed following the signing of the land lease agreement between Bhutan and the Lumbini Development Trust in June 2025.
Construction is expected to take two years, with completion targeted for 2028. The project will be implemented by Bhutan's Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the organisers, the temple complex is expected to further strengthen Lumbini's status as a global Buddhist pilgrimage destination while deepening the longstanding friendship between Nepal and Bhutan. It is also expected to contribute to local employment, tourism and economic activity, while promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha and the values of peace, compassion and harmony.