Overview:

Khamsa Yulley Namgyal Chorten in Thimphu, Bhutan is a religious monument built in honour of the great yogi and terma master, Zhabdrung Ngawag Namgyal (1594-1651). It was built by the 14th Druk Desi, Ngawang Chogyal, between 1745-1746 on the occasion of the birthday of Zhabdrung. The Chorten is made of wet stone and is situated in the centre of Bhutan’s religious and spiritual hub, the Lamdre Temple Complex. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists as it is believed to embody the spiritual power of Zhabdrung, who unified Bhutan in the 16th century. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Located at the top of Motithang Hill in Thimphu, Bhutan, the Khamsa Yulley Namgyal Chorten is an important landmark in the region. 2. It was built as a memorial to the 5th King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who passed away in 1972. 3. It is a classic example of traditional Bhutanese architecture and is decorated with intricate Buddhist and religious symbols. 4. The monument sits among a busy street leading to the National Memorial Chorten, another important site in Thimphu. 5. The stupa is surrounded by four large chalices, each pointing towards the four cardinal directions. 6. It also has two pagoda style temples, each maintaining a different image. One temple holds a representation of the Buddha and the other a representation of the future Buddha, Maitreya. 7. Every year, the Khamsa Yulley Namgyal Chorten is the center of the annual Festival of Tshechu, an important religious event in Bhutan. 8. Tourists from around the world visit the chorten to pay their respects to the fifth king and experience the grandeur of Bhutanese architecture and culture. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Khamsa Yulley Namgyal Chorten in Bhutan is a landmark in the Thimphu valley. It was originally a small temple which was later destroyed in the 1950 earthquake. The temple was then rebuilt in 1960s by the former King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who was famously known as the father of modern Bhutan. The purpose of the temple was to commemorate the five precious symbols associated with his reign and his contributions to the nation. The chorten was built in traditional style of Bhutan with a four-sided pyramidal structure topped with a large golden domed-roof and surrounded by prayer wheels. Inside the chorten is five Buddhas with a kalash (capsule containing holy substances) with the five precious substances: relics, sarira (crystallized powder), mantras, symbols and books. Within the walls of the chorten are inscribed mantras, verses from the Buddhist scriptures and stories from the life of the King. In the surrounding premises of the temple are statues of buddhas and animals associated with the Buddhist belief system, such as dragons. The Khamsa Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a popular tourist attraction for its religious significance and for its unique architecture. In the evening, the chorten is illuminated with butter lamps creating a beautiful and serene environment around the temple. People from all over the world come to visit the chorten every year to pay their respect to the king and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. At 8,000 feet above sea level, the Khamsa Yulley Namgyal Chorten is one of the world’s highest and most remote stupas. 2. The chorten was built in the 16th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a multi-faceted Buddhist yogi and poet of the Drukpa Kagyu School, to ward off evil spirits. 3. The chorten stands 33 feet tall, and its base is around 20 feet wide. 4. It houses a 350-year-old relic relic of the arms of the Drukpa Kuenley, along with various sacred objects, including statues made of copper and gold. 5. Historically, the chorten served primarily as a place for dedicated Buddhist pilgrims to seek spiritual relief. 6. Despite being destroyed several times due to wars and natural disasters, the chorten was painstakingly restored four times before its current condition in the 19th century. 7. Buddhists often visit the chorten and burn incense and offer prayers so they can get the blessings of compassion and success in the future. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.