Brief Background

Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Memorial Chorten was constructed by second queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden in 1972 and was completed in 1974.

The reason why she has constructed was, her son the Third King of Bhutan had 3 wishes that he wanted to fulfill in life. That's he wants to make the body mind and speech of Buddhu. And for the body, he has sculpted 1000 buddha statue that's found in Tashichoe Dzong and for speech, he has written Buddhist script with god.

Before he could accomplish the mind of Buddha he expired. So his mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden has constructed the stupa on behalf of her late son third king representing the mind of Buddha.

Unlike other memorial stupas this stupa does not contain anybody's remains from the third king except for the portrait inside the stupa.

Inside Memorial Chorten

This is a busy place. You will see a lot of people circumambulating the stupa with the prayer beads in their hands. Most of the retired people come to this place the whole day. They circumambulate, prostrate, and pray to dedicate their latter part of life for spiritual.

And this stupa is 3 storied and it houses the 3 highest teachings in Vajrayana sect of Buddhism. That's on the top floor its Gongdey teaching and on the middle floor it's the Kagay teachi ng cycle and on the ground floor it's the Phurpa (Vajrakyila). 

Visitors Information

Open: Every day from 08:00 to 17:00 in summer and 08:00 to 16:00 in winter.

Lunch Break: 13-14 hrs

Dress Code: Need formal dress

Entry Fee: Nu. 1000 (Roughly USD 12)

Photography: Photography is allowed till courtyard