BHUTAN, October 11, 2011 (by Sudarshan Subedi): Work to construct the first Hindu temple in Thimphu will begin after a ground breaking or Sa-Lang ceremony was conducted yesterday. The temple will be constructed on a 2.53-acre government land at Kuenselphodrang on the way to the Buddha statue.
“Establishment of this temple will enrich the spiritual heritage of our country,” the Je Khenpo said. Highlighting the similarity between Buddhism and Hinduism, His Holiness said that both religions originated from the same place and have similar principles. “These two religions are interdependent and inseparable like milk and water,” he said.
This temple is expected to contribute directly in pursuing the mission of the Hindu Dharma Samudaya of Bhutan, which is to deepen the devotees’ understanding of the essence of religious values and devotional practices, chairman of the Samudaya, Dasho Meghraj Gurung said.