As the world celebrates International Women’s Day in March, the queen of Bhutan graced an important ceremony for Kurukulle, the compelling deity of attraction and royal power. Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, graced the Salhang Tendrel ceremony on 13 March for the forthcoming Kurukulle Center in Pemaling, Serzhong. It was also a significant milestone for the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), Bhutan’s most significant development project in the 21st century.
The Kurukulle Center will be a significant institution in this Special Administrative Region, a transformative milestone in the Himalayan Buddhist kingdom’s 21st century. Her Majesty was accompanied by HRH Princess Deki Yangzom Wangchuck, HRH Princess Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck, and Ashi Yeatso Lhamo for the auspicious occasion.
The Salhang Tendrel ceremony marked the formal blessing of the site where the Kurukulle Center, presided over by Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche, will be constructed. This ceremony is traditionally performed to invoke the blessings of the land’s elemental forces, including the lu (Nagas), ensuring harmony and the removal of obstacles before construction begins.
The Kurukulle Center is designed as a living mandala and will feature a five-story temple dedicated to Jetsunma Kurukulle, alongside teaching pavilions, meditation halls, and traditional mani walls.
Kurukulle, the revered red feminine deity otherwise known as the Goddess of Magnetizing Enlightened Activities, holds particular significance within the Bhutanese tradition. Within the royal court, she has long been regarded as a favored deity among queens and princesses, who turn to her practice for wisdom, compassion in action, and the magnetizing of harmonious conditions—qualities that align with the spiritual and temporal roles of female royalty.
During the ritual, Her Majesty received the Sachu Bumter—the sacred vase and offerings to be placed in the ground—from Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche. Her Majesty offered prayers and placed offerings at the site, sanctifying the ground for the development.
The Royal Party was received with a traditional Chipdrel procession by monks, local government leaders, and members of the community. Dignitaries present included GMC Governor Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering and Opposition Leader Pema Chewang.
The spiritual significance of the day was further underscored by the presence of Lhalung Sungtrul Jigdrel Kunzang Dorji and Thuksey Trulku, who, alongside Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche, are the principal holders of the Pema Lingpa lineage. Lhalung Sungtrul is the maternal uncle of Her Majesty.
The Kurukulle Center is one of several sacred landmarks being established as part of His Majesty the King’s visionary GMC initiative. Estimated to cost over 2 billion Bhutanese ngultrum (US $21,632,640) and take five years to complete, the Center will serve as a spiritual anchor for the new city, dedicated to practices encompassing health, wellbeing, material stability, and wisdom.
Once completed, the campus will function as a holistic spiritual environment, integrating sacred geometry with the natural landscape to preserve and evolve Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage for future generations. The Queen’s support for attracting the magnetizing power of Kurukulle will reinforce the blessings the Kurukulle Center is poised to give to the entire GMC.
Related news from BDG
His Majesty the King of Bhutan Offers Gelephu Mindfulness City Full Support with Official Visit
Bhutan Integrates National Identity Platform with Ethereum Blockchain
Related features from BDG
Buddhistdoor View: The Global Peace Prayer Festival in the Bigger Picture of Bhutan’s National Agenda