Memorial Chorten
Visiting these iconic locations offers a unique look into the spiritual and natural heart of the country
Short intro about
Memorial Chorten
The National Memorial Chorten is one of the most iconic structures in Thimphu, Bhutan. This pristine white stupa, adorned with gleaming golden spires, was constructed in 1974 to honour the third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Located on Doeboom Lam near Thimphu’s main roundabout and the Indian military hospital, it is a prominent symbol of Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
-was conceived by Dungse Rinpoche (1904–1987)
-It was built in 1974 in memory of late 3rd king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, died in 1972.
-It was built by Her Majesty the Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck
-Was built to fulfill the dreams of late 3rd king (Mind, Body & Speech of Buddha)
-Memorial Chorten
-It is approximately five mins walk of Thimphu City,
-Toilet just left side.
-2250 m , 27˚latitude N 89˚ longitude E
-Near Hosptial
-Very lucky to take pictures of Sr. Citizen
-Can take picture of Prayer wheel
-We can get inside
-No Shoes no Pictures inside the Chorten
-Maintain low voice
-Please don’t touch painting
-Watch your steps
-It is approached through a small garden and a gate decorated with three slate carvings. On the exterior of the gate are representations of the three protective Bodhisattvas – Avalokiteshvara (the symbol of compassion), Manjushri (the symbol of knowledge) and Vajrapani, the symbol of power.
-On the interior are slates engraved with the image of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the historical Buddha and Guru Rinpoche. Large prayer wheels are located to the left.
-The chorten attracts many elderly Bhutanese on a daily basis who circumambulate the chorten.
-It has four entrances but only one entrance is open for devotees to visit the shrine.
-The ground floor of the chorten is consecrated to the teachings of the deity Phurpha.
-It has four shrines, each with different pictures of the king; with the eastern shrine housing a Buddha image.
-From the ground floor, a staircase leads to two more floors and each floor has four shrines.
-A centrally placed large wooden carving covers all three levels, behind the shrines; a large number of wooden carvings mostly depict wrathful looking protective deities.
-The roof of chorten is accessed from the second level and a protective railing covers the terrace on the third floor.
-The second floor is dedicated to Kagyu teachings, to subdue eight varieties of evil spirits and the top floor is dedicated to the teachings of Lama Gondu.
-The Chorten, held in great religious dedication, is circumambulated only in a clockwise direction.
-“Moelam Chenmo,” or the Great Prayer Festival is held here when the Je Khenpo (the religious head of Bhutan) addresses and blesses those who meet for the occasion.