Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, Gedu, Bhutan

Nestled along the scenic Phuentsholing–Thimphu Highway in Gedu, Bhutan, the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas are a striking spiritual landmark that captures the essence of Buddhist teachings.

These eight chortens (stupas) are not just architectural marvels but also symbolic representations of pivotal moments in the life of the Buddha. Each stupa embodies a distinct phase—from his birth, enlightenment, and first sermon, to his final nirvana—offering travelers and pilgrims a contemplative journey through the spiritual milestones of Buddhism.

The stupas are thoughtfully arranged to serve both as a meditative space and an educational experience. Visitors often find themselves pausing at each structure, reflecting on the teachings associated with that stage of the Buddha’s life. For instance, the Lotus Stupa symbolizes his birth, while the Stupa of Enlightenment commemorates the moment he attained spiritual awakening. These monuments are more than static relics—they’re designed to inspire introspection and reverence.

What makes this site particularly unique is its accessibility. Located right off a major highway, the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas are easily reachable, making them a popular stop for both locals and tourists. Despite their spiritual significance, the site maintains a quiet humility, inviting visitors to learn rather than simply observe. As one traveler noted, “It is more to learn than see,” emphasizing the introspective nature of the experience.

Whether you're a devout practitioner or a curious traveler, the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas offer a serene and meaningful detour. They stand as a testament to Bhutan’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage and its commitment to preserving the teachings of the Buddha in ways that are both accessible and profound. If you ever find yourself winding through the misty hills of Gedu, this sacred ensemble is well worth a pause.

Ritual oven
The ritual oven—often a stone or metal hearth used for burning incense, aromatic woods, and sacred substances—serves as a powerful conduit between the earthly and spiritual realms.

Known in Tibetan as sangbum or sangkhang, this oven is not merely a place for combustion but a sacred altar of purification and offering. The fragrant smoke rising from it is believed to carry prayers, intentions, and blessings to the higher realms, invoking the presence of enlightened beings and local deities. It’s a practice deeply rooted in the Vajrayana tradition, where scent and fire are used to cleanse negative energies and create auspicious conditions for spiritual activity.
Symbolically, the ritual oven represents the element of fire, which in Vajrayana cosmology is associated with transformation, clarity, and compassionate action. The act of burning incense and woods like juniper, sandalwood, or agarwood is seen as a gesture of generosity and reverence, offered to unseen beings such as mountain spirits (lu), sky deities (lha), and earth guardians (sadak). These offerings are especially important in Himalayan cultures, where the landscape itself is considered alive and sacred. The oven becomes a gateway to harmonizing with nature, appeasing elemental forces, and inviting their protection and blessings.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, the ritual oven holds a prominent place near the stupas, reinforcing its role as a spiritual anchor for the entire complex. Pilgrims and practitioners gather around it to perform sang rituals—ceremonial smoke offerings that honor the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and local mountain deities. The oven’s connection to mountain worship is especially profound here: the surrounding peaks are seen as embodiments of divine energy, and the smoke offerings serve to bridge human devotion with the majesty of the natural world. It’s a practice that blends Buddhist ritual with indigenous reverence for the land.
In essence, the ritual oven is a living altar, where fire becomes a messenger and smoke a prayer. It invites practitioners to engage with the sacred through the senses—smell, sight, and touch—and to recognize that enlightenment is not only found in texts and teachings, but also in the rhythms of nature and the act of offering. Whether nestled in a monastery courtyard or standing beside the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, the oven reminds us that the spiritual path is one of connection: to the Dharma, to the elements, and to the mountains that silently watch over us.

North entrance gate to the sacred precinct of the stupas
In Vajrayana Buddhism, entrance gates are far more than architectural thresholds—they are symbolic portals into sacred space and consciousness. These gates often reflect the mandala principle, representing the transition from the mundane world into a purified realm of spiritual practice.

Traditionally aligned with the cardinal directions, each gate may correspond to specific enlightened qualities or deities, inviting practitioners to embody compassion, wisdom, and fearlessness as they cross the boundary. The act of entering through such a gate is a ritual in itself, a moment of intention-setting and reverence that marks the beginning of a transformative journey.
The gates are frequently adorned with protective symbols such as the Ashtamangala (Eight Auspicious Symbols), which include the lotus, conch, and dharma wheel. These emblems serve not only as visual blessings but also as energetic guardians, warding off negativity and aligning the visitor with the dharma. In Vajrayana tradition, the gate is also a metaphor for the "vajra mind"—indestructible clarity and compassion—which practitioners aspire to cultivate. Passing through the gate is akin to stepping into the mandala of enlightened awareness, where every movement and gesture becomes part of the spiritual path.
At the site of the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, the entrance gate holds particular resonance. It is not merely a physical entry but a symbolic initiation into the Eight Great Events of the Buddha’s life, each represented by a stupa. The gate here functions as a threshold into a living mandala, where each stupa is a spoke on the wheel of awakening. Visitors often pause at the gate to reflect, offer prostrations, or recite mantras, acknowledging the sacredness of the space they are about to enter.
Spiritually, the gate to the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas invites one to leave behind worldly distractions and enter a realm of contemplation and devotion. It is a liminal space—a place between worlds—where the outer journey along the highway becomes an inner pilgrimage. In this way, the gate is not just an architectural feature but a spiritual teacher, reminding all who pass through it that enlightenment begins with the first step inward.

Relief of the Four Harmonious Friends beside the north gate
The relief of the Four Harmonious Friends—a bird, a hare, a monkey, and an elephant stacked one atop the other—is a beloved and deeply symbolic motif.

This image, often carved into walls, painted on thangkas, or etched into ceremonial objects, originates from a Jataka tale told by the Buddha. It illustrates the virtues of cooperation, respect for seniority, and interdependence. Each animal represents a different habitat—sky, tree, ground, and underground—and their collaboration to reach the fruit of a tree symbolizes how beings of diverse strengths and backgrounds can live in harmony when guided by mutual respect and shared purpose.
Spiritually, the relief serves as a gentle reminder of the Buddhist precepts. The bird, often considered the eldest, teaches the others about moral conduct—abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and intoxication. This narrative reinforces the idea that wisdom and seniority deserve reverence, and that ethical living leads to collective well-being. In Vajrayana contexts, where symbolism is layered and profound, the Four Harmonious Friends also represent aspects of the human condition: the elephant as the body, the monkey as the mind, the rabbit as emotions, and the bird as the soul. Their unity reflects the integration needed for spiritual awakening.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, this relief takes on added resonance. The stupas themselves commemorate eight pivotal events in the Buddha’s life, and the presence of the Four Harmonious Friends at the site underscores the importance of harmony and ethical living as foundational to enlightenment. Positioned near the entrance or within the sacred grounds, the relief acts as a spiritual threshold—inviting visitors to embody the virtues of the tale before engaging with the deeper teachings represented by each stupa.
In Bhutanese tradition, it’s believed that wherever the image of the Four Harmonious Friends is displayed, virtue increases and auspiciousness follows. At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, this belief is woven into the experience of pilgrimage. The relief doesn’t just decorate—it teaches, blesses, and protects. It’s a visual dharma, quietly guiding all who pass by to live with respect, compassion, and unity.

Altar of the group of eight stupas
In Vajrayana Buddhist architecture, the altar of a group of stupas serves as the spiritual heart of the sacred ensemble.

Positioned centrally or at the base of the collective layout, the altar is not merely a platform for offerings—it is a symbolic axis that unites the individual stupas into a cohesive mandala of enlightenment. Traditionally, the altar is adorned with butter lamps, incense burners, ritual bowls, and sacred substances, all arranged with meticulous care to reflect the principles of balance, purity, and devotion. It becomes the focal point for ritual activity, where practitioners make offerings, recite prayers, and engage in meditative practices that honor the Buddha and the lineage of awakened beings.
Symbolically, the altar represents the Dharmakaya, or the truth body of the Buddha—the formless essence that permeates all phenomena. While each stupa in the group may embody a specific event in the Buddha’s life, the altar serves as the unifying presence, reminding practitioners that all these manifestations arise from the same enlightened source. In Vajrayana tradition, the altar is also seen as a gateway to the sacred, where the physical act of offering merges with the inner act of surrender and aspiration. It is here that the practitioner’s intention is purified and magnified, transforming ordinary substances into vehicles of merit and wisdom.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site in Gedu, Bhutan, the altar holds particular resonance. Surrounded by eight stupas that commemorate the major milestones in the Buddha’s life—from birth to Parinirvana—the altar becomes the center of the mandala, anchoring the spiritual energy of the entire complex. Pilgrims often gather at the altar to perform sang offerings, light butter lamps, and chant mantras, creating a vibrant field of devotion that radiates outward to each stupa. The altar here is not just a ritual space—it is a living conduit between the practitioner and the enlightened qualities represented by the Eight Great Events.
Spiritually, the altar at Gedu invites a profound sense of interconnectedness and reverence. It teaches that while the path to awakening may unfold through distinct stages—each marked by a stupa—the essence of enlightenment is singular and ever-present. The altar thus becomes a mirror of the practitioner’s own journey: grounded in devotion, illuminated by wisdom, and centered in the heart of the Dharma. It is a place where the sacred becomes tangible, and where the pilgrim, the offering, and the awakened mind converge in a moment of timeless grace.

The eight stupas seen from the south

Stupa of Lotus Blossom
«When the Lord Buddha was born at Lumbini Garden, his father the king Suddhodana had great satisfaction and rejoiced by constructing the ever first Stupa in the world that is the heap of Lotus flower alias “Pepung Chhoeten” for worldly sentient beings.»

The Stupa of Lotus Blossom, also known as Pepung Chhoeten or the Stupa of Heaped Lotuses, commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama—the future Buddha—at Lumbini Garden in present-day Nepal. According to legend, upon his birth, the infant Buddha took seven steps in each of the four cardinal directions, and with each step, a lotus flower miraculously bloomed. This imagery of blooming lotuses symbolizes the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the stupa represents the pure potential of enlightenment present from the very beginning of life.
Symbolically, the lotus flower is revered across Buddhist traditions as a metaphor for spiritual emergence from worldly suffering. Just as the lotus rises unstained from muddy waters, so too can sentient beings transcend samsara and attain awakening. The Stupa of Lotus Blossom embodies this principle, serving as a reminder that even amid the impurities of the world, one can cultivate purity, wisdom, and compassion. Its circular base and lotus-petal designs reflect the cyclical nature of birth and rebirth, and the inherent purity of the Buddha’s nature from the moment of his arrival.
In Vajrayana temples and monasteries, this stupa is often placed at the beginning of a sacred mandala or pilgrimage circuit, symbolizing the starting point of the spiritual journey. It invites practitioners to reflect on their own birth—not just physical, but spiritual—and to recognize the innate Buddha-nature within. Rituals performed around this stupa often include offerings of lotus flowers, circumambulation, and prayers for rebirth in pure realms. It is also associated with auspicious beginnings, making it a focal point during initiations and blessings.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, the Stupa of Lotus Blossom holds a foundational place. The caption on-site attributes its origin to King Suddhodana, who constructed it in celebration of his son’s birth. This act of devotion is seen as the first offering to the Dharma world, a gesture that opened the path for all sentient beings to follow. Within the mandala of eight stupas—each marking a transformative moment in the Buddha’s life—the Stupa of Lotus Blossom stands as a symbol of hope and promise, reminding all who encounter it that the journey to enlightenment begins with a single, miraculous step.

Stupa of Enlightenment
«The Stupa so called “Duduel Jangchhub Chhoeten” was belived to have built by King Bimbisara and others when Lord Budda had attained Enlightenment at the age of Thirty-Five facing the Maha Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya in Magadha, India.»

The Stupa of Enlightenment, known in Tibetan as Duduel Jangchhub Chhoeten, commemorates the moment when Siddhartha Gautama attained full enlightenment beneath the Maha Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India. This event, occurring at age 35, marks the culmination of his spiritual quest and the birth of the Buddha as a teacher of the Dharma. In Vajrayana Buddhism, this stupa is revered as a symbol of awakening, representing the triumph over ignorance, desire, and fear—the very forces that bind beings to samsara.
Architecturally, the Stupa of Enlightenment often features a harmonious, symmetrical design that reflects the clarity and balance of the awakened mind. Its structure embodies the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—each corresponding to aspects of enlightened wisdom. The square base signifies stability and equanimity; the dome represents the vastness of compassion; the spire and parasol evoke the ascent toward realization. Together, these elements form a mandala of awakening, guiding practitioners through the stages of the path.
In Vajrayana temples and monasteries, the Stupa of Enlightenment serves as a spiritual anchor, a place for meditation, circumambulation, and offerings. It is not merely a monument but a living symbol of possibility—a reminder that enlightenment is attainable through disciplined practice and insight. Devotees often engage with the stupa through ritual and visualization, seeing it as a manifestation of the Buddha’s enlightened body, speech, and mind. Its presence radiates blessings and clarity, inspiring practitioners to cultivate wisdom and compassion.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, the Stupa of Enlightenment holds a central role in the sacred landscape. The caption on-site attributes its origin to King Bimbisara and others, who are said to have constructed it in honor of the Buddha’s awakening. This historical and spiritual connection reinforces the stupa’s significance as a gateway to realization. Within the mandala of eight stupas—each marking a key event in the Buddha’s life—the Stupa of Enlightenment stands as the pinnacle of transformation, inviting all who encounter it to awaken to their own luminous nature.

Stupa of Many Doors
«When the Lord Buddha was turning the wheel of First Sermon “Four Noble Truth" at Deer Park in India, it was like opening of many auspicious doors in the Dharma World. Therefore, to celebrate this event, Buddha's Five Disciples and devotees had constructed the Chhoten Tashi Gomang or the Stupa of Many Promising Doors.»

The Stupa of Many Doors, also known as Chhoten Tashi Gomang or the Stupa of Many Promising Doors, commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, India. This pivotal moment—when the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths—is considered the formal beginning of the Dharma being shared with the world. In Vajrayana Buddhism, this stupa symbolizes the opening of the Dharma gates, offering countless paths to liberation and awakening. Its architectural design often features multiple doorways or tiers, each representing an entry into deeper understanding and spiritual realization.
Spiritually, this stupa embodies the transmission of wisdom and the compassionate act of teaching. It marks the Buddha’s transition from silent realization to active guidance, setting the Dharma Wheel in motion. In Vajrayana temples and monasteries, this stupa is revered as a source of blessings and clarity, encouraging practitioners to engage with the teachings through study, contemplation, and meditation. The wheel itself—often depicted with eight spokes—represents the Noble Eightfold Path, which serves as a practical roadmap for ethical living and spiritual growth.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, the Stupa of Many Doors holds a central place in the mandala of sacred monuments. Its caption poetically describes the sermon as “the opening of many auspicious doors in the Dharma World,” a metaphor that resonates deeply with Vajrayana symbolism. Each doorway on the stupa is seen as a portal to realization, inviting pilgrims to explore the vast and nuanced teachings of the Buddha. The presence of this stupa within the ensemble reinforces the idea that enlightenment begins with understanding—and that understanding begins with listening.
This stupa is not just a monument—it’s a living invitation. It calls practitioners to turn their own inner Dharma Wheel, to awaken insight, and to share wisdom with others. In Vajrayana tradition, where teachings are often transmitted through lineage and ritual, the stupa serves as a silent teacher, radiating the energy of the Buddha’s first words and reminding all who approach it that the path to awakening begins with a single truth well heard.

Stupa of Great Miracles
«When the Lord Buddha was challenged by the rapacious ghosts and evil spirits in a place of scary forest in Nyenyod, Buddha exhibited a miraculous action of compassion and had conquered all in great calm. The people were amazed and dedicated to offer the Stupa of Miraculous display with great satisfaction.»

The Stupa of Great Miracles, also known as the Stupa of Miraculous Display, commemorates one of the most awe-inspiring episodes in the Buddha’s life—his serene triumph over malevolent forces through the power of compassion. According to the caption at the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, the Buddha was challenged by rapacious ghosts and evil spirits in a terrifying forest at Nyenyod. Rather than responding with force or fear, he performed a miraculous act of calm and compassion, subduing the spirits and transforming the space into one of peace. This event left the people in profound awe, prompting them to construct the stupa as a tribute to his spiritual mastery and benevolence.
In Vajrayana Buddhist temples and monasteries, the Stupa of Great Miracles holds deep symbolic importance. It represents the Buddha’s ability to transcend ordinary limitations and manifest enlightened qualities in response to adversity. The stupa’s architecture often features multi-tiered levels and ornate carvings, symbolizing the layers of reality and the unfolding of miraculous wisdom. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that true power lies not in domination, but in the quiet force of compassion and clarity. Practitioners meditate near this stupa to cultivate inner strength, resilience, and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities for awakening.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, this stupa is one of eight sacred monuments marking key events in the Buddha’s life. Its presence within the mandala of stupas reinforces the Vajrayana view that miracles are not mere spectacles, but expressions of enlightened mind. The Stupa of Great Miracles invites pilgrims to reflect on their own capacity for transformation—how fear can be met with wisdom, and how chaos can be calmed through spiritual insight. It’s a visual dharma teaching, quietly urging visitors to embody the Buddha’s example in their own lives.
Ultimately, the Stupa of Great Miracles stands as a beacon of spiritual courage. It teaches that even in the darkest forests—literal or metaphorical—the light of compassion can prevail. In Vajrayana tradition, such miracles are not just historical anecdotes but living truths, accessible to those who walk the path with sincerity and devotion. The stupa’s energy continues to inspire practitioners to face their inner demons with grace, and to trust in the transformative power of the awakened heart.

Stupa of Descent from the God Realm
«When Lord Buddha was 42 years old, he realized-that his mother was born in God’s realm. In order to enlighten his mother, he went to God’s realm and redeemed her soul and returned on earth for all worldly sentient beings. To celebrate this event, devotees constructed the Stupa signifying a descend from the God's realm or Lhabab Chhoeten.»

The Stupa of Descent from the God Realm, known in Tibetan as Lhabab Chhoeten, commemorates one of the most tender and spiritually profound episodes in the Buddha’s life. At the age of 42, the Buddha realized that his mother, Queen Mayadevi, had been reborn in the celestial realm of Tushita. In a gesture of deep filial piety and compassion, he ascended to this divine realm to teach her the Dharma, ensuring her liberation. After three months of teaching, he returned to Earth—not only for her sake, but for the benefit of all sentient beings. This descent is celebrated as a moment of divine-human connection, and the stupa built to honor it stands as a symbol of enlightened compassion reaching across realms.
In Vajrayana Buddhist temples and monasteries, the Stupa of Descent holds immense symbolic importance. Architecturally, it is distinguished by stairways on each side of its four-tiered base, representing the Buddha’s return from the heavens. Spiritually, it embodies the principle that enlightenment is not confined to one realm—it is universal, and the awakened ones actively bridge the gap between worlds to guide others. Practitioners meditate near this stupa to cultivate gratitude, compassion, and the aspiration to repay the kindness of their parents and teachers, just as the Buddha did.
Within the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, this stupa marks the fifth major event in the Buddha’s life and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of realms and beings. It invites reflection on the Buddha’s boundless compassion and his willingness to transcend even celestial boundaries to fulfill his vows. The Eight Stupas together form a mandala of enlightenment, and the Lhabab Chhoeten is the axis of descent—where divine wisdom reenters the human world. It is often the site of annual ceremonies, especially during Lhabab Düchen, a Tibetan festival that multiplies the merit of virtuous actions.
Spiritually, the Stupa of Descent is a beacon of selfless service and transcendental love. It teaches that enlightenment is not a retreat from the world, but a return to it—with greater clarity and purpose. In Vajrayana tradition, this act of descending after attaining higher realization is seen as the hallmark of a bodhisattva: one who postpones personal liberation to uplift others. The stupa thus becomes not just a monument, but a living symbol of the path of return—where wisdom meets compassion, and heaven touches earth.

Stupa of Reconciliation
«When the Sanga-Community in Veluvana Park were almost crumbling down due to provocation triggered by Devadatta, the Buddha's two chief disciples brought unity among the monks. The people of Magadha were so pleased for the resolve and devoted to build the Stupa of Endhum Chhoeten or the symbol of lasting peace and harmony.»

The Stupa of Reconciliation, also known as Endhum Chhoeten, commemorates a pivotal moment of healing and unity within the Buddhist monastic community. According to tradition, the Sangha at Veluvana Park was on the verge of collapse due to internal strife instigated by Devadatta, the Buddha’s ambitious cousin. It was through the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha’s two chief disciples—Shariputra and Maudgalyayana—that harmony was restored. Their efforts to reunite the fractured community were so impactful that the people of Magadha, deeply moved by the resolution, constructed this stupa as a symbol of restored peace and spiritual solidarity.
In Vajrayana Buddhist temples and monasteries, the Stupa of Reconciliation holds profound symbolic importance. It represents the power of compassion, forgiveness, and the restoration of harmony—qualities that are central to Vajrayana practice. The stupa’s octagonal base, with eight sides and eight corners, reflects the Eightfold Path and the interconnectedness of all beings. It serves as a spiritual reminder that even in the face of division, unity can be achieved through skillful means and enlightened action.
Within the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, this stupa occupies a unique place as the embodiment of conflict resolution and communal healing. Each of the eight stupas marks a transformative event in the Buddha’s life, and the Stupa of Reconciliation invites practitioners to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of maintaining harmony within spiritual communities. It encourages the cultivation of metta (loving-kindness) and karuna (compassion), not just as ideals, but as active forces for healing and connection.
Spiritually, this stupa is a beacon for those seeking to mend broken ties—whether within the Sangha or in their personal lives. It teaches that reconciliation is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding and mutual respect. In Vajrayana tradition, such acts are seen as expressions of enlightened mind, and the stupa becomes a sacred space where practitioners can meditate on restoring balance, both within and without. It stands as a timeless testament to the Buddha’s teachings on unity, reminding us that peace is always possible, even after discord.

Stupa of Complete Victory
«When Lord Buddha was conquering the age of 80, he decided to pass away for eternal peace. However, on request of his disciple Tsuendha, he extended his life for three months. To this supreme power, the Gods and Goddesses were remarkably pleased and built the Stupa of Namgyal Chhoeten or the complete victory at Yangpachen.»

The Stupa of Complete Victory, also known as Namgyal Chhoeten, commemorates a moment of profound compassion and spiritual mastery in the life of the Buddha. As he approached the age of 80 and prepared to enter Parinirvana, his disciple Tsuendha implored him to remain in the world a little longer. Moved by this heartfelt plea, the Buddha agreed to extend his life by three months—a gesture that symbolized his boundless compassion and his unwavering commitment to guiding sentient beings. In response, celestial beings—gods and goddesses—constructed this stupa at Yangpachen as a tribute to his supreme power and benevolence.
Symbolically, the Stupa of Complete Victory represents triumph over death and impermanence, not through avoidance, but through conscious mastery. In Vajrayana Buddhist temples and monasteries, this stupa serves as a reminder that enlightenment is not constrained by time or mortality. Its rounded steps and elegant form evoke the cyclical nature of existence, while its towering spire points toward transcendence. Practitioners often meditate near this stupa to cultivate longevity, spiritual resilience, and the aspiration to use their lives meaningfully—just as the Buddha did in his final months.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, the Stupa of Complete Victory holds a special place within the mandala of sacred monuments. Each of the eight stupas marks a pivotal event in the Buddha’s life, and this one stands as a testament to his complete victory over worldly limitations. It invites pilgrims to reflect not only on the Buddha’s compassion but also on their own capacity to extend kindness, wisdom, and presence in the face of impermanence. The caption at the site beautifully encapsulates this moment, transforming it into a living memory that continues to inspire.
Spiritually, this stupa is a beacon of hope and renewal. It teaches that even at the threshold of death, one can choose to serve, to teach, and to uplift. In Vajrayana tradition, such acts are seen as expressions of the vajra mind—indestructible clarity and compassion. The Stupa of Complete Victory thus becomes more than a monument; it is a spiritual mirror, reflecting the possibility of victory not through conquest, but through selfless love and enlightened action.

Stupa of Nirvana
«Towards the end of age 80, during Buddha's Parinirvana, the Stupa known as Nyangdhey Chhoeten was constructed by the disciples and devotees at Tsachhog Drong or Kushinagar, India, at the time of departure of the holy soul as the symbol of living memory.»

The Stupa of Nirvana holds profound symbolic and spiritual significance in Vajrayana Buddhism, representing the Buddha’s final liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Located in Kushinagar, India, this stupa marks the site where Siddhartha Gautama passed into Mahaparinirvana at the age of 80, after delivering his final teachings to the sangha. Architecturally, it often features a reclining Buddha statue, symbolizing the serene transition into Nirvana—a state beyond suffering and duality. In Vajrayana temples and monasteries, this stupa serves as a powerful reminder of impermanence and the ultimate goal of enlightenment.
Spiritually, the Stupa of Nirvana embodies the culmination of the Buddha’s journey and the fulfillment of his teachings. It is not merely a memorial but a gateway to contemplation—inviting practitioners to reflect on the transient nature of existence and the importance of diligent practice. In Vajrayana tradition, circumambulating the stupa while visualizing the cessation of samsara is a meditative act that aligns one with the Buddha’s enlightened mind. The stupa’s presence in sacred spaces reinforces the aspiration to transcend worldly attachments and attain the peace of Nirvana.
At the Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas site, the Stupa of Nirvana—referred to as Nyangdhey Chhoeten—is especially poignant. It commemorates the Buddha’s departure as a “symbol of living memory,” echoing the sacred construction at Tsachhog Drong (Kushinagar). Within this ensemble of eight stupas, each marking a pivotal event in the Buddha’s life, the Stupa of Nirvana stands as the final chapter—a spiritual exhale that completes the mandala of awakening. Its inclusion invites pilgrims to not only honor the Buddha’s passing but to internalize his final exhortation: “All conditioned phenomena are impermanent; diligently work out your salvation.”
In the Vajrayana context, this stupa is more than a monument—it is a teacher in stone. It whispers the truth of impermanence and the promise of liberation. At Gedu, its presence harmonizes with the other seven stupas, creating a sacred landscape that mirrors the full arc of the Buddha’s life and teachings. For practitioners, standing before the Stupa of Nirvana is a moment of deep reverence—a chance to recommit to the path with clarity, humility, and unwavering resolve.