In a historic moment for both Bhutan and India and especially for the enduring ties that bind the two countries, His Holiness the Je Khenpo consecrated the Druk Goen Ogmin Nyipa – Akanishta, the Royal Bhutan Temple in Rajgir, India on September 4, 2025. The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Home Minister Tshering, senior officials from Bhutan’s Royal Government and Central Monastic Body, as well as distinguished Indian dignitaries, including Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, and Sunil Kumar, Education Minister of Bihar.
The consecration marked the culmination of a project undertaken to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India.
With a total budget of Nu 197.27 million, the temple’s foundation stone was laid on 11 November 2018 by His Holiness the Je Khenpo and the Chief Minister of Bihar, coinciding with the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Royal Bhutan Temple stands as a symbol of “strengthening the spiritual and cultural connect” between the two nations. Union Minister Rijiju emphasized on social media that the consecration reflects the timeless bond of faith, culture, and friendship shared by Bhutan and India.
For scholars and students of Nalanda University, the temple is more than a monument. The Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University, Professor Sachin Chaturvedi called the temple a living bridge between the ancient traditions of Nalanda and Bhutan’s Vajrayāna Buddhist heritage. “It is not merely a static monument but a vibrant center of scholarship and devotion,” he added.
Dr Pranshu Samdarshi, Assistant Professor, School of Buddhist Studies Philosophy and Comparative Religions, Nalanda University, told Business Bhutan that the temple embodies Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions said that the temple serves as an evolving space for learning, dialogue, and cultural continuity. “Students and faculty have been engaged with the temple throughout its construction,” he said.
For students of Buddhist studies, the temple is a living example of Nalanda’s art and philosophy, connecting the historical roots of Vajrayana Buddhism in India with its flourishing practice in Bhutan today.
For Bhutanese students, the temple is deeply personal. Rinchen Pavo, an MA Buddhist Philosophy student at Nalanda University, described it as “a bridge of the heart between Bhutan and India.” Standing on sacred land where Lord Buddha walked, he said, “I feel a profound connection that reminds us that although Bhutan is small, our faith is deeply rooted in the Buddha’s teachings, which began here in India.”
Karma Tenzin Choden, another Bhutanese student, added, “The temple is a home away from home. It anchors us in our culture and faith, reminding us that the wisdom nurtured at Nalanda continues to shape Bhutanese practice. The consecration by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, accompanied by Monlam Chenmo prayers, was a moment of profound blessing.”
The Royal Bhutan Temple is a symbol of enduring friendship, shared heritage, and mutual respect. For Bhutan, it reaffirms spiritual roots in the Nalanda tradition and strengthens bonds with India. For India, it represents the continuity of its civilizational legacy and the global relevance of Nalanda as a center of Buddhist learning.
Students and faculty alike see the temple as a living monument of peace, wisdom, and cultural dialogue, where the past and present converge, connecting Bhutan and India across centuries. “Whenever I think of the Royal Bhutan Temple at Rajgir,” said Rinchen Pavo, “I see it as a beacon of friendship, faith, and harmony—something that unites our nations and the world through the Buddha’s message of compassion.”
The temple stands near Vulture’s Peak and the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, embodying continuity and renewal of the Buddhist heritage shared by Bhutan and India. It is a testament to the spiritual, scholarly, and cultural friendship that has flourished between the two nations for decades.
As Bhutanese students pursue their studies at Nalanda University, the Royal Bhutan Temple at Rajgir serves as more than a place of worship, it is a living bridge to their spiritual roots, cultural heritage, and historical identity. For them, the temple is a daily reminder that their practice is connected to a centuries-old lineage that began in India and blossomed in Bhutan. It is a space where rituals, teachings, and meditation intertwine with the rhythms of academic life, reinforcing a sense of belonging and purpose.
The temple is also a symbol of shared devotion and mutual respect between nations. Beyond its walls, it embodies the enduring friendship between Bhutan and India, showing how faith can transcend borders and foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. Scholars, students, and visitors alike are welcomed into this sacred space, making it a center for learning, reflection, and cultural exchange. Here, the study of Buddhism is not limited to texts or classrooms; it is experienced in a living environment where architecture, art, and ritual converge, offering lessons in harmony, compassion, and continuity.
In essence, the Royal Bhutan Temple at Rajgir is both a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural beacon—a place where history and modernity, devotion and scholarship, Bhutanese tradition and Indian heritage come together, inspiring everyone who steps inside to connect more deeply with wisdom, peace, and shared humanity.
Sangay Rabten from Thimphu
