MEMORAL CHORTEN

The chorten is a white structure crowned with a golden spire, making it one of the most visible religious landmarks in Bhutan. It is designed in the Tibetan style, known as the Jangchup Chorten, with a unique outward-flaring shape resembling a vase rather than a dome. Inside, it houses intricate mandalas, statues, and religious paintings, reflecting both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.

Throughout the day, locals and visitors circumambulate the chorten, spinning large red prayer wheels and offering prayers in the adjacent shrine. It serves as a place of worship and a focal point for daily spiritual activities in Thimphu.

Certainly! The Memorial Chorten in Thimphu was conceived by Dungsey Rinpoche Thinley Norbu following the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in 1974 to honor belove king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, who passed away in 1972. The main patron behind its construction was his mother, Queen Ashi Phuentsho Choden Wangchuck, who wished to fulfill his vision of a chorten that would represent the mind of Buddha.

The chorten underwent extensive renovations in 2008, ensuring its preservation as one of Bhutan’s most visible religious landmarks. Its Tibetan-style architecture, known as Jangchup Chorten, is distinct for its outward-flaring shape, resembling a vase rather than a dome. The structure is adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and paintings, depicting various Buddhist deities, including wrathful figures in explicit Yab-Yum poses. Today, the Memorial Chorten remains a spiritual hub where locals and visitors gather to circumambulate, spin prayer wheels, and offer prayers, making it a vital part of Thimphu’s religious and cultural landscape.