Punakha dzong a 17thcentury buddhist dzong of bhutan, in punakha district, central bhutan. For context, this is about the fort and monastery called shekarshelkarxegar dzong in tibet, near tingri. It received the esteemed instructions from the government to write all school language text books in spoken dzongkha. The second oldest dzong in bhutan, it was begun in 1637 also on the order of shabdrung ngawang namgyal. Find more prominent pieces of landscape at best visual art database. The dzong has been damaged several times over the centuries. In addition to its structural beauty, punakha dzong is notable for containing the preserved remains of zhabdrung ngawang namgyal, the unifier of bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the ranjung karsapani. Make the most of the opening day of the punakha drubchen festival held in the main courtyard of the punakha dzong. Punakha drubchen festival feel bhutanese history blog. Dzongkha, part 2 volume 1 of languages of the greater himalayan region volume 1 of cnws publications dzongkha, dzongkha. It is an imposing square fortress, representative of typical dzong architecture, with a central tower and courtyards housing the administrative quarters and the monastic section.
Many important historical events had taken place in these dzongs. Near the end of the paved road, 14km from paro, stand the ruins of drukgyel dzong, built in the 17th century to cement bhutanese control over what was then the main route to tibet. These include murals depicting life story of buddha done during the rule of the second druk desi. His majesty the second king initiated the renovation of the dzong in 1962. Mar 25, 2014 the punaka dzong was known in antiquity as pungtag dechen photrang dozong, means the palace of great happiness or bliss.
Once the tibetan invasions ceased, this became a major trade route, with bhutanese rice being transported to the tibetan town of phari dzong as barter for salt and bricks of tea. There is a wooden bridge that connects the dzong across the mo chu river is beautiful. Trongsa dzong, the largest dzong fortress in bhutan. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in all of bhutan and one of the most majestic and famous structures in the country. Bhutans most treasured possession is the rangjung selfcreated kharsapani, an image of chenresig that is kept in the tse lhakhang in the utse of the punakha dzong. Bhutanese dzong architecture reached its zenith in the 17th century under the leadership of ngawang namgyal, the 1st zhabdrung rinpoche. Punakha dzong in western bhutan its often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, it is also the most important dzong in bhutanese history.
It stands at the confluence of the phochu and mo chhu rivers in punakha. Feb 19, 2017 practical information and how to reach punakha dzong. You will be completely mesmerized with this dzong, especially in spring when it is enveloped by lilac coloured jacaranda flowers spread against the white washed towering walls. Punakha dzong 2019 exploring bhutan part3 history of. The dzongs were built to replace the loss of gsang sngags zab dong, i semtokha dzong. Photo about punakha dzong palace of great happiness, bhutan.
Most importantly, critique the historical argument. Punakha dzongkhag administration is pleased to invite the sealed bids from the national bidders for the maintenance of gewog center road and parking under talo gewog. In 1907, gongsar ugyen wangchuck was crowned as the first king of bhutan in punakha dzong. Were featuring a threepart history of wwii as one book because an article about 10 books. The dzong housed the original national assembly and now houses the secretariat, the throne room and offices of the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Punakha, a former capital of bhutan, is located in the west of the country understand. The construction was overseen by dzongpon geduen chophel. This dzong is a monastery and also houses the administrative offices of the valley. Please note that given the exceptional circumstances related to the coronavirus covid19 pandemic, regular mail sent to the world heritage. The punakha dzong, also known as the pungtang dechen photrang dzong, literally translates to the palace of great happiness or bliss. Books have been a part of our daily lives since ancient times.
Ancient ruin of drukgyel dzong unesco world heritage centre. The architecture is massive in style with towering exterior walls surrounding a complex of courtyards, temples, administrative offices, and monks accommodation. Several renovation, alteration and expansion works of the dzong structure are still traceable and are evidence of crucial roles played by these dzongs as. The dzong has a kuenray, chamber, where the kings of bhutan are crowned. All tourists who wish to visit bhutan apart from indian nationals must enter the country on a package.
The punakha dzong is the second oldest dzong in bhutan and situated at the confluence of the male and female rivers other name phonchu and monchu rivers. A very well maintained and rich in history, this buddhist temple is one of the largest and beautiful dzong in bhutan. Punakha dzong was administrative center and the seat of the government of bhutan until 1955, punakha was the capital of bhutan, but it was moved to thimphu. Punakha, town in the eastern himalayas, westcentral bhutan. Wangdi is important in the history of bhutan because in the early days it was the site of the countrys second capital. The outer structure is two storey high with threestorey towers at the four corners projecting. As government offices and monastic institutions were based in the large dzongs, ngalongkha came to be known as dzongkha, meaning the language of the dzong.
Book your tickets online for tashichho dzong thimpu dzong, thimphu. Punakha, a former capital of bhutan, is located in the west of the country. The wangdue phodrang dzong wangdi was founded by the zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the punak tsang chhu and the dang chhu, clearly chosen for its commanding view of the valleys below. Jul 07, 20 it received the esteemed instructions from the government to write all school language text books in spoken dzongkha. Punakha dzong bhutan, timings, history, entry fees. This amazing and historical palace has been built during the 1600s and has already been renovated several times. The most sacred relics of the southern drukpa kagyu school including the rangjung kasarpani, and the sacred remains of zhabdrung ngawang namgyal and terton padma lingpa are in this.
The size of the original dzong is unknown, but history books in bhutan state that the fourth desi, tenzin rabgay 16801694, extended it and also added another twostoried tower. Punakha was the first capital of bhutan and the countrys first king was crowned here in 1907. This relic is a selfcreated image of avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of tsangpa gyarey. Book your tickets online for punakha dzong, punakha.
The dzong is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in and around this pleasant little town. Palace of the profound meaning of secret mantras is a small dzong. They have been used for telling stories, archiving history, and sharing information about our world. The punakha dzong, also known as pungthang dewa chhenbi phodrang meaning the palace of great happiness or bliss, is the administrative centre of punakha district in punakha, bhutan. Very few people buy dzongkha books, said the salesman of dsb publication, a bookshop in thimphu. The above five dzongs had been stage for significant political events and cultural development throughout the history of bhutan after its. Paro dzong also called the rinpung dzong, the fortress of the heap of jewels, paro dzong was built in 1645 by the zhabdrung ngawang namgyel.
A history of zhang zhung and tibet, volume one explores ancient tibets zhang zhung kingdom and bon religion that preceded the advent of buddhism in the seventh century. Dzong architecture is a distinctive type of fortress wylie. The zhabdrung relied on visions and omens to site each of the dzongs. Punakha was the capital of bhutan from 1637 to 1907, and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Letter of intent for internal service works at khuruthang throm. You have to cross the punakha river on a swinging bridge to reach the fort which houses the monastery and the royal living quarters. Subcategories this category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total. The dzong is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in. It was brought to bhutan from tibet by the zhabdrung and features heavily in punakhas famous dromchoe festival. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern drukpa lineage of the kagyu school of tibetan buddhism, including the rangjung kharsapani and the sacred remains of ngawang namgyal and the. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. Paro dzong association of bhutanese tour operators. Semtokha dzong was destroyed in 1634 during the bhutantibet war. In 1907, punakha dzong was the site of the coronation of ugyen wangchuck as the first king of bhutan.
Sangay xam in collaboration with prominent publishers, 1994 buddhism 264 pages. The relationship with india and the rest of the world as bhutan finds complete independence under the monarchy is also a most fascinating part of this history. The city is located in the heart of the wang valley and is the most happening place in the whole of the. Sep 22, 2016 punakha dzong in western bhutan its often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, it is also the most important dzong in bhutanese history. The punakha dzong, also known as pungthang dewa chhenbi phodrang, is the administrative centre of punakha district in punakha, bhutan. The punaka dzong was known in antiquity as pungtag dechen photrang dozong, means the palace of great happiness or bliss. It takes more than three years to sell about 500 copies of books published in dzongkha, he added. Bhutan takes a low volume high value low impact approach to tourism. You set up for the night at a hotel after a bit of sightseeing around the punakha and wangdue valleys. It looks right out of fairy tale with a background of wooden bridge over river flowing with gushing sound and mountains overlooking this beautiful whitewashed huge edifice. Wangdue phodrang dzong wangdue phodrang, bhutan attractions. So, in addition to the prevailing school text books in chhoekad, the first dzongkha hand book titled, dzongkha rabsel chareng dangpo was published and the inservice refresher dzongkha courses were conducted in 1972. A history of zhang zhung and tibet, volume one explores ancient tibets zhang zhung kingdom and bon religion that preceded the advent of buddhism in the seventh century countering the longheld idea that tibets prebuddhist indigenous culture was primitive and undeveloped, this book shares the rich cultural origins of the kingdom of zhang zhungthe cradle of tibetan culture, which.
Punakha dzong pungtang dechen photrang dzong andbeyond. An important historical monument and former buddhist monastery, today it houses one of the. Three years later, a treaty was signed at punakha whereby the british agreed not to interfere in bhutanese internal affairs and bhutan allowed britain to direct its foreign affairs. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. Check out the new look and enjoy easier access to your favorite features. Jun, 2016 punakha dzong comes to life in spring when lilac coloured flowers bloom to the full and cover the dzong surroundings. The punakha dzong fortress was built in the year of 1637 ad and is build by the zhabdrung ngawang namgyal and later enlarge by the 4th king after it was burned down by fire. Ive found a few old pictures of it and a few pictures of the recent ruins, but almost no writing about the history of the monastery and the ruined fort. The entry will require you to be with a guide and you need to pay. The punakha dzong is located in a serene surroundings. Punakha dzong, punakha ticket price timings address. The 180 metre long and 72 metre wide dzong is gloriously surrounded by lush, viridian foliage, with the fortresses white lower walls shrouded by lilachued jacaranda trees, effusing the region with perfumed. The northern portion is the summer residence of the dratshang central monk body.
However, it appears that the term dzongkha probably gained currency only in the latter half of the 20 th century, particularly after bhutan adopted it as the national language in 1960s. The town, founded in 1577, was once the capital of bhutan. The history of the listed dzongs reflects the dynamism of bhutanese history and culture since the unification of the country. Explore our collection of the best history books and discover your next read from penguin.
Rinpung dzong, popularly know as, paro dzong is situated in the paro valley. This list of the best history books includes bestsellers, pulizter prize winners and editors picks from distinguished historians and biographers. You can take a view of the river valley from this place. The raging fires in 1780, 1789, 1802, 1831, 1849 and 1986, a massive earthquake in 1897 and a devastating flash flood in 1994 almost devastated the punakha dzong. Amanderson, creative commons the palace of great bliss or punthang dechen phodrang in bhutan is commonly known as punakha dzong from other parts of the world.
Constructed by ngawang namgyal, 1st zhabdrung rinpoche, in 163738, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in bhutan and one of its most majestic. Practical information and how to reach punakha dzong. Constructed by ngawang namgyal, 1st zhabdrung rinpoche, in 163738, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. A history of entangled relationships with tibet, the author makes it very clear that in terms of identity it is wrong of the west to conflate bhutan with tibet. Punakha dzong is undoubtedly the most beautiful and charming dzong in bhutan, standing tall right at the confluence of two rivers pho chhu father river and mo chhu mother river.
According to tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience simtokha dzong. Punakha dzong bhutan punakha dzong pungthang dewachenpoi. Kezang choden of the kmt bookshop, which mostly sells dzongkha publications, said that most of the customers were gelongs monks, anims nuns. May 26, 2014 punakha dzong bhutan the punakha dzong, also known as pungtang dechen photrang dzong meaning the palace of great happiness or bliss12 is the administrative centre of punakha dzongkhag in. Dzong bok mun is an actress, known for orang chon 1957. Read, highlight, and take notes, across web, tablet, and phone. The old dzong fortress, or castle is on a promontory between the pho and mo rivers, tributaries of the sankosh. Simtokha dzong dzong means castlemonastery also known as sangak zabdhon phodrang bhutanese language meaning. The punakha dzong, also known as pungthang dewa chhenbi phodrang is the administrative. We dont know when or if this item will be back in stock. It was built in 1629 by zhabdrung ngawang namgyal, who unified bhutan. Punakha dzong, also known as pungtang dewa chhenbi phodrang the palace of great happiness or bliss, was structured by shabdrung ngawang namgyel in 1637 and is also known as the most beautiful dzong in bhutan due to the fact that it was built at the confluence of the two main river pho chhu and mo chhu rivers.
News, analysis and comment from the financial times, the world. Research school cnws, school of asian, african, and amerindian studies, 1998. Located on a stretch of land where the pho chhu and mo chhu converge, the punakha dzong served as the centre of government and the first session of the national assembly was also held here in 1953. Punakha was the capital of bhutan until the 1960s, and still retains the serene atmosphere of a place with a regal past. If youre looking for some great books to support and inspire your history studies, weve devised a list of seven of the best history books out. Today, trashichho dzong houses the secretariat, throne room, and offices of the king of bhutan. Punakha dzong, the greatest dzong in bhutan unusual traveler. Countering the longheld idea that tibets prebuddhist indigenous culture was primitive and undeveloped, this book shares the rich cultural origins of the kingdom of zhang zhungthe cradle of tibetan culture, which. Punakha dzong bhutan the punakha dzong, also known as pungtang dechen photrang dzong meaning the palace of great happiness or bliss12 is. Once the tibetan invasions ceased, this became a major trade route, with bhutanese rice being transported to the. The dzong was significantly expanded from 17441763 during the reign of the th desi the secular ruler, as opposed to the je khenpo, who is the chief abbot of bhutan, and who holds equal power, sherab wangchuk. Shekar dzong was created in 1933 by nicholas roerich in symbolism style.
Punakha dzong, bhutan a masterpiece of architecture in. Dzong architecture project gutenberg selfpublishing. The dzong caught fire for a second time during the reign of the 16 th desi and th je khenpo. It lies at an elevation of about 5,000 feet 1,500 metres above sea level at a point where several streams converge to form the sankosh river.
952 426 533 1040 1429 112 316 88 778 1204 1041 753 1206 408 922 402 1105 9 371 1510 1289 1441 517 1486 533 177 333 336 293 743 217 24