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Memorial chorten is a Tibetan style stupa also known as “jangchub chorten” it is located at a walking distance from the main shopping Centre (where the most tourist standard hotels are located) are in Thimphu. This stupa is centrally located and is one of the tallest structures. The memorial chorten is visible from almost all the places in Thimphu. It is one of the most interesting sightseeing places in Thimphu.

Memorial Chorten

Thousands of people circumambulate this stupa everyday. Mornings and evenings are particularly crowded. Young and old come here from dawn till dusk to pray and cleanse the sin they might have accumulate through various ways by way of bodily action and speech. This is a very busy place and it’s particularly great place for photographers as all kinds of people gather here.

This stupa was build in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who reigned the country from 1928 -1972. The memorial chorten was built by the fourth king of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk in memory of his father and for the world peace.

Chabje dudjom Jigdrel Yeshe Dorji consecrated this stupa. Each step of this stupa represents the path to enlightenment. There are eight types of Jangchub chortens and each one commemorates the eight great events in the life of Buddha sakyamuni. Earlier these stupas were built to enshire the remains of great Buddhist masters. There are smaller versions of this stupa which are placed in the alters but huge one like the memorial chorten are constructed for people to worship and circumambulate.

Memorial chorten interiors.

Each floor of the memorial chorten has four sanctums each facing four cardinal directions. All these four alters in each of the floors have statues, scrolls, mandalas and shrine dedicated to the third king of Bhutan.

Best hours to visit

Early morning and evening are the best time to visit this stupa as there are lesser tourists and more locals. Tourists crowd this place with vehicles. Most locals walk to this place so there is lesser traffic.

May-June and December-January brings in unusual number of Indian tourists and the whole place becomes very noisy.