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Bhutan's
Architecture |
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Bhutan Information |
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| Different
types of Chortens |
| Dzongs |
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Punakha dzong
These
gigantic structures with their massive walls and elegant woodwork are among
the most impressive forms of architecture in Asia.
The
basic pattern of the dzong is the utse (central tower) which generally
houses several temples, a courtyard surrounded by an outer structure which
houses monks' quarters, administrative offices, and the kitchen. |
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Trashigang,
Dagana, Mongar, Gasa and Simtokha dzongs are good examples of this pattern,
however, most of the dzongs have two courtyards, sometimes at spilt levels
separated by the central tower. One courtyard is for monastic use while
the other is for administration. Good examples of this structure are Punakha,
Wangduephodrang, Paro, Thimphu and Jakar Dzongs. Trongsa is the most complex
of all dzongs with an intricate pattern of buildings, towers and courtyards.
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| Chorten
- Chhoeten (Stupa in Sanskrit) |
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Bhutanese and Nepalese style Chortens
Chortens
are built in memory of eminent lamas or to pin down evil spirits. They
are also built to protect a region against evil spirits at places
which are potentially dangerous such as crossroads and passes as
well as landslide and accident prone areas.
Bhutanese
chortens are of three styles:
 Huge
stone chortens which are often whitewashed, are built on the model of
the stupa of Boudnath in Nepal. Good examples of this style are
Chendebji (Trongsa), Kurizampa (Mongar) and Chorten Kora (Trashiyangtse).
Stone chortens resembling the Tibetan style are common throughout central
and eastern Bhutan. They are often covered by a wooden frame.
Chortens
of a purely Bhutanese tradition are primarily widespread in western
Bhutan. Their outer structure is a square stone building with a red stripe
at its upper level and shingle or stone-slab roofs. A chorten of the Tibetan
style is sometimes erected inside that of a local type structure. |
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The Bhutanese
style Chorten can also be found in a series of eight, called the Chorten
Degye. These chortens commemorate eight great events of the life of Lord
Buddha and each of them has a different shape. The selection of a site
for the construction of a chortten is suggested by an astrologer; a Sogshing
and the other elements of Zung are put inside the structure and a consecration
ceremony is performed. The Chorten then becomes sacred and dismantling
it is, therefore, a serious sin.
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| Memorial
Chorten in Thimphu |
Memorial
Chorten in Thimphu |
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