Chortens

Thousands of chortens or stupas dot the countryside in Bhutan. These structures are symbolic of a receptacle for offering in Buddhism, and are an indication of the deep faith of the people, as many new chortens are being built even today. There are eight different forms or styles of chortens in Bhutan including one in which there is an archway over a trail like one near the Wangduephrodang Dzong. It is believed that travelers gain merit when they pass through such a structure. Another style is the mani dungkhor or a chorten which houses a large prayer wheel . This is usually built over a water channel or near a stream to enable the water to turn the wooden turbine of the prayer wheel. An important chorten in the capital is the National Memorial Chorten dedicated to the memory of the third king of Bhutan, late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The chorten contains magnificent examples of Vajrayana Buddhist art in the form of statues and wall paintings.