From an early age, Ashi Phuntsho Choden received a traditional education, including lessons on Buddhism. She received teachings, empowerment, and reading transmissions in the Drukpa Kargyu, Karma Kargyu, Dujom, Peling, and Nyingthig traditions from renowned Buddhist lamas.

She married Bhutan’s second king, Jigme Wangchuck, in 1923 when she was 12 years old. They were second cousins. Ashi Phuntsho Choden was the half-sister of the grandfather of the current Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema, and she was the great grandmother of the fifth king of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. She made sure that her only child Jigme Dorji Wangchuck learned both English and Hindi in early childhood to prepare him for Bhutan’s escalating involvement in foreign diplomacy.

Her younger sister, Ashi Pema Dechen (1918-1991), was the second wife of her husband since 1932 when she was 14 years old.

She was very religious. Phunstho Choden played an important role in maintaining and strengthening Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage. She built a legacy of religious institutions, established spiritual learning centres, and preserved the rich imagery that formed a core of Bhutan’s religious history.

She created the monument National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu which she built in memory of her son, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, for the well being of the nation and the people.

She died on 13 August 2003. Her body was ceremoniously laid out for 49 days and was taken to places she had been to when she was living.

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Wikipedia