21/12/2020
Why it is known as "fortress of the glorious religion?"
It is Known as Tashichho Dzong, or popularly known as Thimphu Dzong, is an impressive structure that houses the Bhutanese government and stand on the right side of the Wangchu River (Thimphu).
HISTORY ABOUT DZONG
There was a long history behind the success of Dzong naming it as Tashichoedzong and it's importance.
The Dzong originated with the building of Dho-Ngon (Blue Stone) Dzong on a hill above Thimphu River where Dechenphodrang stands by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. On the 17th century, the followers of Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa were completely crushed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and the Dho Ngon Dzong fell into the hands of Zhbdrung.Zhabdrung rebuilt the fortress in 1641 and renamed it Tashichho Dzong.
In 1694, the 4th Desi Tenzin Rabgye enlarged the Dzong. The Dzong caught fire in 1698 and was restored. In 1747, the Dzong was enlarged at the initiative of the 13th Desi, Chogyal sherab Wangchuk. The Dzong caught fire again under the reign of the 16th Desi, Sonam Lhendup, and 13th Je Khenpo, Yonten Thaye. After this fire, the Dzong was relocated to the present location.
His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck took the initiative of renovating the Dzong in 1962. The entire Dzong was rebuilt in traditional fashion, without nails or written plans. Zopen Parpa Yodsel oversaw the overall renovation works. In 1969, the earth Bird year, the Dzong was consecrated by Je Khenpo Thri Zur Thinley Lhendup and Dorji lopen Nyizer Trilku.
SIGNIFICANCE OF DZONG
In the past, the National Assembly met within the Dzong. Today, it houses the secretariat, throne room, and offices of King of Bhutan. The northern portion is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo and the Central Monastic Body.
Unlike most other Dzongs, Tashichoedzong dzong has two main entrances. One leads to the administrative section to the south, and another at the north leads to the monastic quarter where the dances of the annual tsechu festival are performed.
Below the dzong is an excellent example of the traditional cantilever bridge. To the south of the dzong is set of low buildings that houses additional administrative offices. West of the dzong is the small tower of Ney Khan Lhakhang, which houses a statue of Sakyamuni flanked by the prospective deity Gyenden Jagpa Melen and Dorji Daktshen, the female guardian deity of Phajoding.
Thimphu Tshechu starts on the 10th day of the 8th lunar month. The three-day religious event plays an important role in the lives of Bhutanese people as it is an opportunity for the Buddhist followers to immerse and cleanse themselves of the bad Karma and to remind them of what to make of their lives.
Staying true to the age-old tradition, locals dressed in their finest outfit and jewelries gather at the Thimphu Tashichoedzong. This spiritual social event brings people together unified by the common culture, tradition, and beliefs. The sacred mask dance (Chham) is believed to invoke deities blessing.
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