Chorten Kora

Chorten Kora

Trashi Yangtse

70/10090 min

Chorten Kora is a significant Buddhist stupa situated beside the Khorlo-Chu River in Trashi Yangtse, eastern Bhutan. Constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Lodrö, the third abbot of Rigsum Goenpa and nephew of the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was built to honor his late uncle Lam Jangchub Gyeltshen and to subdue a malevolent demon believed to inhabit the site. The stupa's design is modeled after the famous Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual ties across the Himalayan region. Its construction took twelve years and was consecrated by Je Yonten Thaye. Local lore holds that the demon was successfully banished, bringing lasting peace and harmony to the valley. The site remains a vibrant spiritual center, hosting annual festivals such as the Dakpa Kora and Drukpa Kora, which attract devotees from Bhutan and the neighboring Indian region of Arunachal Pradesh. These festivals celebrate the stupa's sanctity with circumambulations and religious ceremonies. Additionally, a popular legend tells of a Dakini princess from Arunachal Pradesh who immured herself within the stupa as Yeshe Semba to meditate for all beings, inspiring a Bhutanese film based on this story. Chorten Kora thus embodies religious devotion, regional cultural exchange, and enduring folklore.

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Astuce: Visitors should plan their trip to coincide with the annual Dakpa Kora festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month or the Drukpa Kora at the month's end to experience vibrant local traditions. It is advisable to check festival dates in advance and consider purchasing tickets or arranging guided visits early, as these events attract many pilgrims. Modest dress and respectful behavior are essential when visiting the stupa. No specific ticket prices are generally required, but donations are welcomed. The site is accessible year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for travel and sightseeing.

Faits intéressants

  • •Chorten Kora is modeled after the famous Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, one of the largest stupas in the world.
  • •The stupa was built to subdue a harmful demon believed to inhabit the site, a legend that underscores local spiritual beliefs.
  • •Annual festivals at Chorten Kora attract participants not only from Bhutan but also from Arunachal Pradesh in India, highlighting cross-border cultural ties.
  • •A Dakini princess from Arunachal Pradesh is said to have immured herself inside the stupa for meditation, a unique spiritual legend associated with the site.
  • •The construction of Chorten Kora took twelve years and was consecrated by Je Yonten Thaye.

Histoire

1740

Chorten Kora was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Lodrö, a key religious figure and nephew of Bhutan's unifier Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

It was built to honor Lam Jangchub Gyeltshen and to quell a local demon believed to threaten the valley.

The building process took twelve years, culminating in a consecration ceremony by Je Yonten Thaye.

Since its completion, the stupa has been a focal point of spiritual life and regional festivals, fostering peace and cultural unity between Bhutanese and neighboring Indian communities.

Guide du lieu

1
The Main Stupa Structure1740
Lama Ngawang Lodrö

The central stupa is the main spiritual monument, designed after Nepal's Boudhanath stupa, featuring traditional Bhutanese Buddhist architectural elements and intricate symbolic decorations.

2
Festival Grounds

The area surrounding the stupa hosts the annual Dakpa Kora and Drukpa Kora festivals, where devotees perform circumambulations and engage in religious rituals, fostering vibrant cultural exchange between Bhutanese and Indian communities.