WORLD BUDDHIST STAMPS e.GALLERY
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| Chortens of Bhutan | |
One of the most popular Chorten ‘ Stupa’ in the capital city of Thimphu is Memorial Chorten built-in memory of the third king of Bhutan. The Chorten is an extraordinary example of Buddhist architecture and artwork with its gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures. Hundreds of people from all walks of life go to circumambulate the giant whitewashed stupa from dawn till dusk. Similarly, places in Bhutan is adorned with Chortens or Stupas. It can be seen almost everywhere in Bhutan, on hilltops, in the valleys and even on the highways, roundabout, resting place, and pretty much everywhere.
A chorten is a receptacle for offerings, and in Bhutan, all chortens contain religious relics. Chortens are often situated in locations considered inauspicious – river junctions, crossroads, mountain passes, and bridges – to ward off evil. The classical chorten shape is based on the ancient Indian form of a stupa. Each of the chorten’s five architectural elements has a symbolic meaning.
The square or rectangular base symbolizes the earth. The hemispherical dome symbolizes water. The conical or pyramidal spire symbolizes fire (the spire has 13 step- like segments that symbolize the 13 steps leading to Buddhahood). On top is a crescent moon and a sun, symbolizing air, and a vertical spike symbolizing ether or the sacred light of the Buddha. Inside is placed a carved wooden pole called a sokshing, which is the life-spirit of the chorten. |
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| Issued Country | Bhutan |
| Issued Year | 2014 |
| Category | Buddhist Architect Buddhist Landscape |
| Type | Commemorative/Special Stamps |