The enthronement of the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck formally took place on November 6, 2008 following the rich traditional manner. The coronation ceremony has three sequential stages.
First Stage
The ceremony began on November 1,
2008, His Majesty enters the Machhen to offer the private rite, consummating
the commitment (Khelang Damchag) to govern for the wellbeing of the nation and
the peopleand, receives Dhar Kha Nga (Five different colours of silken
Scarf) at the shrine of Machhen (entombed body of Zhabdrung) inside the
historic Pungthang Dewa Chhenpoi Phodrang (Punakha Dzong). The act ofreceiving
and wearing the five-coloured silken scarfs is an embodiment of His Majesty
receiving the Dhar from Zhabdrung (founder of Bhutan). After receiving the Dhar
Kha Nga, His Majesty ascends the Golden Throne followed by Zhugdrel
Ceremony, offering of Kusung Medrel and recitation of prayers.
*The scarfs of five
different colours (White, yellow, red, blue and green) represent celestial
Buddha of the five cardinal direction/Five Wisdom Buddha (Gyalwa Rig Nga). It
also represent the rainbow as well as the five elements (earth,
water, fire, air, and space).
Second Stage
The enthronement ceremony is followed by crowning of His Majesty the King with the Raven Crown by His Majesty the Fourth King in the Throne Room (Ser Thri) in Tashichhoedzong in the presence of guest and dignitaries from within and foreign countries on November 6, 2008.
After the crowning, ritual offerings were made for the longevity of
the His Majesty:
·
Seven royal emblems (Gyalsid Na Duen)-
the
precious golden wheel (Khorlo Rinpoche),
the
precious queen ( Tsunmo Rinpoche),
the
precious minister (yonpo Rinpoche),
the
precious elephant (Langpo Rinpoche),
the
precious horse (Tachog Rinpoche),
and
the
precious general (Magpoen Rinpoche)
·
Eight auspicious signs (Tashi Tag Gyed)
Dug
– Parasol.
Sernya – A pair of Fishes.
Bumpa-
Treasure Vase.
Lotus
– Padma.
Dungkhar
– Conch Shell.
Palbheu
(Endless Knot)
Gyaltshen
(Victory Banner)
Khorlo
– The wheel of Dharma.
·
Ku-Sung-Thug Ghi Mendrel.
Third Stage
On November 7, 2008, His Majesty addressed
the nation from Changlimithang on his aspirations for the reign and presenting
himself to the people. The three days celebration at Changlimithang was joined
by the people from all across the country offering the prayers and sharing
jubilant moment on the occasion. People offered Kha dhar (silken scarf)
individually to the king while enroute to Thimphu from Punakha and during the
celebration at Changlimithang.
HM's Coronation Address, Changlimithang Pavillion (2008). Source: YouTube.
Image source: T. Tobgay.
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