Memorial_Chorten,_Thimphu
Memorial Chorten, Thimphu
Place of worship and meditation in Bhutan
The Memorial Stupa, Thimphu, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a stupa (Dzongkha chöten, cheten) in Thimphu, Bhutan, located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital. The stupa, built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells.[1] In 2008, it underwent extensive renovation. It is popularly known as "the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan".[2] It was consecrated by Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje.[3]
This stupa is unlike others as it does not enshrine human remains. Only the Druk Gyalpo’s photo in a ceremonial dress adorns a hall in the ground floor.[2] When he was alive, Jigme Dorji wanted to build "a chorten to represent the mind of the Buddha".[4]