Ugyen Wangchuck

After a lengthy and fruitful legacy, he passed away on August 26, 1926. He was 63-64-year-old at his death. He died in Phodrang Thinley Rapten in Bumthang and was cremated at Kurje Lhakang Temple as per his wishes.

Ugyen Wangchuck was born to Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal and Ashi Pema Choki. His date of birth is unknown but he was born in the year 1862 at Wangduecholing Palace in Bumthang.

Even though he was the second son yet his father named him the heir apparent. From a young age, he accompanied his father in all his activities and endeavors. He was trained in the art of leadership and warfare.

His bravery and combat skills were such that at age 17, he rode into battle against Paro Ponlop Tshewang Norbu. His father then made him the dzongpön of Paro. His training as a soldier began at a very young age. He learned many valuable skills related to warfare, combat, and statesmanship when he accompanied his father in his routine.

Jigme Namgyal died leaving Ugyen to create an empire that even today commands respect and admiration. After his death, the young soldier led about 2400 troops in many battles that successfully culminated in Changlimethang.

He held many spiritual beliefs and formed relationships with many noted spiritualists like Lama Serkong Dorji Chang, Terton Zilnon Namkha Dorji, and Khachyab Dorji, the 15th Karmapa. In 1894, he started work on one of the most important landmarks of Vajrayana Buddhism in the world, the “Kurjey Temple”. The same year, he got the middle lhakhang in Kurjey, with its towering Guru statue built.

He made several trips to India and various other countries. He joined the “Younghusband Expedition to Tibet” as a mediator between Britain and Tibet in 1904. He was the Tongsa Penlop at that time.

The last of Bhutan’s secular rulers, Chogley Yeshey Ngodrup, retreated to Paro in 1905 leaving the place of Bhutan’s nominal ruler vacant. His friend, Kazi Ugyen Dorje, petitioned the state council to elect Ugyen Wangchuck as their head.

He founded the “Buddhist Monarchy” in 1907. His efforts to make Bhutan a peaceful nation led him to build the country on the foundation of dharma, peace, and spirituality. He brought long-lasting peace and harmony to the Kingdom of Bhutan.