Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay Becomes First Foreign Leader at Ram Mandir
Ayodhya: In a historic and spiritually significant moment, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay today visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, becoming the first serving foreign head of government to offer prayers at the newly built temple.
Accompanied by his wife Aum Tashi Doma and a high-level delegation, Tobgay received a red-carpet welcome upon arrival. Uttar Pradesh minister Surya Pratap Shahi and senior officials greeted the dignitary, while elaborate security arrangements were put in place across the temple town.
Inside the sanctum, the Bhutanese leader and his wife performed aarti of Ram Lalla, offered flowers, and received prasad. They also toured the temple complex—including the Ram Darbar, Kuber Tila, Saptmandap, and the intricately carved parkota walls—taking keen interest in the detailed stone murals and architecture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the visit, writing on X, “Wonderful to see PM Tobgay and his wife pray at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. The ideals of Lord Shri Ram inspire millions across the world.”
Wonderful to see PM Tobgay and his wife pray at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. The ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram give strength and inspiration to millions across the globe.@tsheringtobgay@ShriRamTeerth https://t.co/aaqyFOSnub
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2025
Bhutan’s Spiritual Outreach in India
The Ayodhya visit comes just a day after Tobgay inaugurated the Royal Bhutan Buddhist Temple at Rajgir, Bihar, on September 4. Built by the Bhutanese government, the temple was opened in a grand ceremony attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and senior officials from both nations.
Calling it a “spiritual bridge” between India and Bhutan, Tobgay said the temple would deepen the centuries-old cultural and religious bond between the two neighbors. Rajgir, revered as the land of Lord Buddha’s penance, now holds a new Buddhist landmark of Bhutanese heritage.
Later the same day, Tobgay and his delegation visited the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. Welcomed by the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, he meditated under the sacred Bodhi Tree, took part in mantra chanting, and offered prayers at the upper shrine. As a token of reverence, he was gifted a replica of the Mahabodhi Temple and a sacred Bodhi leaf. “I feel deeply blessed to connect with this revered spiritual site,” Tobgay said.
Significance of the Visit
-
Marks the first visit by a foreign Prime Minister to the Shri Ram Mandir.
-
Underscores the shared spiritual heritage between India and Bhutan, spanning both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
-
Reinforces Bodhgaya and Rajgir’s role as timeless centers of global Buddhist faith.
With this multi-faith spiritual tour, Tobgay has not only deepened Bhutan’s ties with India but also showcased the profound cultural diplomacy that continues to anchor the relationship between the two Himalayan neighbors.
