World’s tallest Chenrezig statue unveiled in Sikkim

DHARAMSALA, Nov 6: The world’s tallest statue of Chenrezig, the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas, the Bodhisattva of Compassion has been unveiled in Sikkim, according to media reports.

The world’s tallest statue of Chenrezig was unveiled earlier this month on Nov 2 by Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, India’s longest-serving chief minister. He was in power since December 12, 1994.

The state government has reportedly spent 70 crores for the construction of the 137 feet tall Chenrezig statue located at an elevation of 7,200 metres at Sangha Choeling. The site will also include a sky-walk, a gallery and a cafe.

The foundation stone of the statue was said to be laid in 2009 and that the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has consecrated the statue.

Sikkim is replete with Buddhist sites all across the state. In addition to the newly unveiled statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Sikkim already has two other Buddhist sites; a 135 feet tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Namchi and a 135 feet tall Lord Buddha statue in Ravangla.