National Memorial Chorten
Thimphu
The National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu is a prominent Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 to honor Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan. Unlike typical stupas, it does not enshrine human remains but features a ceremonial photo of the king inside. The chorten was commissioned by his mother, Queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, and designed by Dungsey Rinpoche Thinley Norbu following the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Architecturally, it stands out with its pyramidal vase shape rather than a dome, crowned with golden spires and adorned with larger-than-life images of wrathful deities in yab-yum poses. The exterior is white with a golden spire and decorated gates featuring protective bodhisattvas. Inside, the chorten has richly carved annexes, mandalas, shrines dedicated to the king, and wooden carvings of protective deities across three floors. Each floor represents esoteric teachings from the Nyingmapa sect, with the top floor offering a gallery with city views. The chorten is a vital religious site where devotees circumambulate clockwise, spin prayer wheels, and participate in festivals like the Monlam Prayer Festival, reflecting its deep spiritual and cultural importance in Bhutan.
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Consejo: Visit early in the morning to witness local devotees circumambulating the chorten and spinning prayer wheels in quiet reverence. The site is open daily, but check local schedules for the Monlam Prayer Festival for a unique cultural experience. Entry is free, but respectful attire and conduct are advised. No advance ticket is needed, and photography is generally allowed outside but should be discreet inside.
Datos interesantes
- •The chorten is popularly known as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan due to its prominent location and golden spires.
- •It uniquely depicts 36 larger-than-life wrathful deities in yab-yum poses, which is unusual for stupas.
- •The chorten does not contain human remains, unlike most traditional stupas, but honors the third Druk Gyalpo with his ceremonial portrait.
- •The Monlam Prayer Festival held here is a significant event where the Je Khenpo blesses the congregation.
- •The architectural design features a pyramidal vase shape rather than the typical dome shape of stupas.
Historia
The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 following the death of Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1972.
It was commissioned by his mother, Queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, and designed by Dungsey Rinpoche Thinley Norbu according to the Nyingma tradition.
The chorten underwent extensive renovation in 2008 to preserve its structure and artistic details.
It stands as a monument to the king’s legacy and is consecrated by Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, reflecting its religious and historical significance in Bhutan.
Guía del lugar
Exterior Gate and Garden1974
The entrance features a small garden and a gate decorated with slate carvings of the three protective bodhisattvas: Avalokiteśvara (compassion), Mañjuśrī (knowledge), and Vajrapāṇi (power). The gate's interior has engravings of Ngawang Namgyal, Gautama Buddha, and Padmasambhava, setting a spiritual tone before entering the chorten.
Ground Floor Shrine1974
Dedicated to the teachings of Vajrakīlaya, this floor contains four shrines with images of the third king and a Buddha image in the eastern shrine. It serves as the main devotional area and houses the king's ceremonial photo.
Second Floor1974
This floor is devoted to the Drukpa lineage of the Kagyu school, focusing on subduing eight varieties of evil spirits. It features shrines and extensive wooden carvings of wrathful protective deities, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
Top Floor and Gallery1974
Dedicated to the teachings of Lama Gongdü, this floor contains paintings of Nyingma school deities and visions of the bardo (intermediate state after death). The surrounding gallery offers panoramic views of Thimphu city, combining spiritual reflection with scenic beauty.
