The National Memorial Chorten Bhutan or Thimphu Memorial Chorten is located in the core area of Thimphu. It is walkable from the main town. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck by his wife. In 2008 the National Memorial Chorten Bhutan was under renovation. It is also known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”. The stupa is not meant for human remains, unlike other stupas. The Chorten or stupa is a representation of the mind of the Buddha.
The architecture of Thimphu Memorial Chorten has been designed as “one of the religious structures in Thimphu”. Thimphu Memorial Chorten is designed as similar to the Tibetan style of design of a classical stupa. It has a pyramidal pillar crowned by a crescent moon and sun. It gives the shape of a vase unlike a dome shape in structure.
The exterior of Thimphu Memorial Chorten is having a large white structure with a golden spire crowning. The entrance is carved with a wooden Bhutanese architecture door, which leads to a small garden. You can find three slate carvings. On the exterior of the gate are representations of the three protective bodhisattvas.
On the left side, you see big prayers wheels surrounded by old age people. You can see pigeons from all walks of people circumambulate and prostrate at the Chorten. The Memorial Chorten is truly a place of the gods where people of all ages. On the interior are slates engraved with the image of Ngawang Namgyal(unifier of Bhutan), Gautama Buddha, and Guru Padmasambhava.
The Interior is not open to all. It is closed and it is open only on special occasions. The Chorten is well decorated with art of mandalas, statues, and a shrine dedicated to the third king. On the ground floor, you can see a big portrait of the third King of Bhutan. The Chorten is consecrated to the teachings of Vajrakīlaya. It has four shrines. You can find large wooden carvings that mostly depict wrathful-looking protective deities. The second floor is dedicated to the teachings of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school to subdue eight varieties of evil spirits. The top floor is dedicated to the teachings of Lama Gongdü. The 3rd floor also has paintings depicting various deities of the Nyingma school. You can walk around the circumference of the stupa and can catch the glimpse of Thimphu City.
The Chorten is led by an entrance with large prayer wheels to its left side. The stupa has beautiful mandalas painted on the walls and ceilings. A circular Stairs take the tourists to the second and the third floor where they can come out to the open balcony and take in an amazing view of Thimphu city.
Entry fee: Free for International tourists except for regional tourist
Open: always open
Opening time: 5 AM- 8 PM
The best time to visit National Memorial Chorten Bhutan is morning hours and evening hours.