Palden Drepung Stupa Mandala

BHUTAN, Paro

The Palden Drepung Stupa, or Sri Dhanyakataka Stupa, is said to have been established by the Buddha himself so that those who see it will immediately experience liberation. According to a Tibetan inscription at the bottom of this mandala, the stupa’s foundation was built by deities.
Rising from the green circular center of the mandala, the golden stupa extends upwards towards the mountains at the top of the picture. The segmented body is filled with tiers of offerings, primarily blue vases. A ring of lotus petals encircles the stupa, followed by 28 small golden stupas and 28 stone pillars, symbolizing construction by 28 male and 28 female deities respectively. The blue border is also decorated with small golden stupas. The protective figures of Mahakala and his consort Palden Lhamo stand at the south opening of the square, while monks stand at the east and west openings. Two temples are depicted within the upper corners of the square. The one on the left houses an image of Six-Armed Avalokitesvara, and the temple on the right enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha. A winding river runs around the outside of the square. In the water at the bottom there are boats, jewels, a variety of auspicious offerings, and animals such as fish, ducks, and a horse.