Tashichho Dzong
Buddhism·Bhutan·Active government seat and monastic residence·13th century
Tashichho Dzong is a significant Buddhist monastery and fortress located on the northern edge of Thimphu, Bhutan. Historically serving as the seat of Bhutan's civil government and the summer capital, it has been central to the country's administration and religious life. The structure has undergone numerous reconstructions due to fires and earthquakes, with its current form largely established in the 1960s.
Key Facts
- ›It is a Buddhist monastery and fortress located in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- ›Historically, it was the seat of the Druk Desi (head of CIVIL government) and the summer capital.
- ›The original dzong was built in 1216, with the current structure largely rebuilt in 1962.
- ›It houses the throne room and offices of the King of Bhutan.
- ›The main building features two-storied structures with three-storied corner towers and a large central tower (utse).
- ›It contains thirty temples, chapels, and shrines.
Traditional Bhutanese
Central Utse Tower, Lhakhang Sarp, Main GöNkhang, Kunrey, Neten Chudrug Thongdrol, Triple-Tiered Golden Roofs
Tassisudon, Tashichhoidzong, Do-NgöN Dzong, Blue Stone Dzong, Sonamchö-Dzong
Lama Gyalwa Lhanapa, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Sonam Lhudrup, Je Yonten Taye, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Yonten Tarchin, Rangjung Rigpai Dorje, Jamyang Yeshe, Jigme Singye, Pema Cheda, Phurgyal
- Original Dzong Built In 1216
- Taken Over and Reconsecrated By Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal In 1641
- Main Structure Destroyed By Fire In 1772
- New Dzong Built and Consecrated After 1772 Fire
- Destroyed By Fire Three Times and Damaged By Earthquake In 1897
- Rebuilt By the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Starting In 1962 After Capital Moved To Thimphu
- Completed and Consecrated In 1968
- Became the Seat of Bhutan's Government In 1968
- Royal Family Took Up Residence In Dechencholing Palace In 1953
- Kunrey Renovated In 1777 and 1807
- Ditsang Lhakhang Added In 1826
- Neten Chudrug Thongdrol Consecrated In 2002
About Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong is a prominent Buddhist monastery and fortress situated on the northern edge of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Its name translates to 'the fortress of auspicious doctrine' or 'Fortress of the glorious religion,' reflecting its deep historical and spiritual importance.
History and Significance
The site of Tashichho Dzong has a long history. The original structure, known as Do-Ngön Dzong or the Blue Stone Dzong, was constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanapa, founder of a branch of the Drikung Kagyu school. In 1641, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal took possession of this dzong, reconsecrated it, and renamed it Tashichö-Dzong. It became the primary seat of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect and served as the summer residence for the monastic community, headed by the Shabdrung Rinpoche. Throughout its history, Tashichho Dzong has been vulnerable to natural disasters, experiencing significant damage from fires and an earthquake.
Reconstruction and Current Role
Following a devastating fire in 1772, a new dzong was erected at the present location. This structure, initially named Sonamchö-dzong, was later renamed Tashichö-dzong. The most recent major reconstruction began in 1962 under the direction of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, after Thimphu was established as the capital. This rebuilding followed a different plan from the older dzong, with only the central Utse tower, the Lhakhang Sarp, and the main Gönkhang surviving from the earlier period. Completed in 1968, the rebuilt Tashichho Dzong has served as the seat of Bhutan's government since then.
Architectural Features and Contents
The main edifice of Tashichho Dzong is characterized by its whitewashed walls. It features two-storied structures with three-storied towers at each of its four corners, all crowned with triple-tiered golden roofs. A prominent large central tower, known as the utse, dominates the complex. Inside the dzong are thirty temples, chapels, and shrines. The northern part of the dzong functions as the summer residence for the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monastic Body. The dzong also houses the throne room and offices for the King of Bhutan, the cabinet secretariat, and key ministries, underscoring its dual role as a spiritual and governmental center.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Tashichho Dzong?
Tashichho Dzong translates to 'the fortress of auspicious doctrine' or 'Fortress of the glorious religion'. The name reflects its historical and religious significance in Bhutan.
When was Tashichho Dzong originally built?
The original dzong, then known as Do-Ngön Dzong, was built in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanapa. The current structure on the site of Tashichho Dzong was established in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Has Tashichho Dzong always been in its current location?
No, the original dzong was located where Dechen Phodrang Monastery now stands. After a fire in 1772, a new dzong was built at the present site and later renamed Tashichö-Dzong.
What is the current function of Tashichho Dzong?
Since 1968, Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of Bhutan's government. It presently houses the throne room, the offices of the King, the cabinet secretariat, and ministries of home affairs and finance.
What historical events have affected Tashichho Dzong?
The dzong has a history of being destroyed by fire three times and was seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1897. Each time, it was rebuilt by the authorities of the period.
Who is associated with the founding of Tashichho Dzong?
The original dzong was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanapa. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal later took over the dzong in 1641 and established it as a major religious and administrative center.
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