What has been done
In March 2007 over 11 acres of land were purchased on a hill overlooking the town of Dirang, India.
The site was graded and access road put in. Site plans and drawings were completed. site plan
In April 2008 the abbots and 29 monks from Namgyal and Ganden Jangtse monasteries converged on the site of Thupsung Dhargye Ling to perform extensive rituals and prayers to bless and consecrate the ground. Included in the rituals were a Kalachakra self-initiation, fire pujas and a White Tara long-life initiation conferred by Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Tsephel (then abbot of Gaden Jangtse Monastery).
During the opening consecration ceremonies the foundation stone was laid for the first building. In attendance were Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and his Advisor in Dirang, Minister Tsering Gyurme.
September 2008-- Phase 1 construction of the main temple building is well underway and the first floor of the temple is now completed. Work is going forward on the second floor. The goal is for the second floor to be completed by November 2009, when His Holiness, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit the construction site.
Strong support for the project is coming from the State government of Arunachal Pradesh and the West Kameng District where Dirang is located. These governments have pledged matching grants for Phase 2 of construction (the school, medical clinic and cultural buildings).
New photos from November 2009:
Back view of the temple construction with view of the river valley below.
Decorations for His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's visit. Please see our dedicated web page for photos of the visit.
Timeline
Construction for Phase 1 began in May 2008 and the projected completion date is Spring 2012.
Last updated 2/10/2010