Lumbini, March 28, 2025 – Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has laid the foundation stone of the Thukche Chhoiling Monastery (Nunnery) in the western plot of Lumbini Monastic Zone.

The Thukche Chhoiling Dharmachakra Mahavihar, which signed an agreement with the Lumbini Development Trust, organized the foundation-laying ceremony on Friday in the gracious presence of former President Bhandari. The construction of the monastery has begun in Plot No. 14 of the West Monastic Zone within the Lumbini Master Plan.

Addressing the ceremony, former President Bhandari emphasized the need to spread the message of peace, non-violence, and spirituality from Lumbini through the teachings of Buddha. She noted that Lumbini is gradually emerging as an important center for international religious tourism and stressed that the message of peace should emanate from this sacred site.

She pointed out that even today, developed and powerful nations are engaged in conflicts, violence, and tensions, forcing ordinary people to live under the threat of bullets and unrest. "Born in Lumbini in 623 BCE, Lord Buddha showed the path of peace, non-violence, and compassion. His teachings continue to inspire millions around the world," said Bhandari. "Yet, even now, the confrontations among powerful nations have kept ordinary people trapped in violence and stress."

Former President Bhandari also called for the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of Lumbini’s religious and cultural heritage. She expressed her joy in witnessing Lumbini’s religious, cultural, spiritual, and historical significance and expressed confidence that the Thukche Chhoiling Monastery would help spread Buddha’s message worldwide.

She highlighted that the monastery would enhance Lumbini’s religious and spiritual prestige, attracting Buddhist followers and tourists from around the globe. Bhandari also emphasized the need to develop Lumbini as a major center for Buddhist education and philosophy, given the presence of a Buddhist university here. "Through this university, the message of peace and spirituality can be spread worldwide," she said.

Similarly, Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya stated that monasteries play a crucial role in spreading Buddha’s teachings globally. He urged timely completion of the monastery and expressed confidence in its role in propagating Buddha’s message.

Acharya also raised concerns about some individuals occupying land within the Lumbini Master Plan without constructing monasteries and called for stricter regulation of such practices.

Likewise, House of Representatives member Basu Deva Ghimire highlighted Lumbini’s significance as a center of faith for peace-loving people and Buddhists worldwide. He stressed the need to globalize Buddha’s teachings while developing the region. Ghimire, also a representative of the Lumbini World Heritage Site area, pointed out that the Lumbini Development Trust has failed to adequately involve local representatives and called for amendments to the Trust’s act in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Sanuraja Shakya, member secretary of the Trust, explained that 42 plots within the Lumbini Master Plan, designed by Kenzo Tange, have been allocated for monasteries of various Buddhist traditions. He noted that the Thukche Chhoiling Monastery’s foundation was laid in accordance with this master plan. Shakya also mentioned that while some have occupied land for fundraising abroad without actual construction, such practices are now being curbed.

The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by former minister and House of Representatives member Krishna Gopal Shrestha, LDT Treasurer Siddhi Charan Bhattarai, executive members Shyam Rokaya and Rajesh Shakya, senior director Gyanin Rai, Hotel Association Lumbini President Govind Gyanwali, among others.

The Thukche Chhoiling Monastery, designed in the Himalayan Buddhist architectural style, is planned to be completed within three years, as informed by General Secretary Baburaja Shrestha.