Tashi Chhodzong in Thimphu
Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu (Dzongkha: བཀྲ་ཤིས་ཆོས་རྫོང) is a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu. It is located on the western bank of the Wang Chu. Traditionally, the Druk Desi (or ‘Deb Raja’), the head of Bhutan’s civil government, has used it as his seat. Since 1907, they have combined this office with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy. It has served as the summer capital of the country. In old British documents, it is known as Tassisudon.
The first Dharma Raja built it. Founded the Lho-Drukpa sect of Buddhism, which has remained the distinctive sect of Bhutan. The correct transliteration of the vernacular name—Bkrashis-chaos-dzong, meaning “the fortress of auspicious doctrine”—is, according to Graham Sandberg, Tashichhoidzong. The most popular Thimphu Festival is held here every year.
The main structure of the whitewashed building consists of two stories with three-story towers. Each of the four corners is topped by triple-tiered golden roofs. There is also a large central tower or utse.
Known as “The Fortress of the glorious religion”, Trashicho Dong is an impressive structure that houses the Bhutanese government. It stands on the right bank of the Wangchu (Thimphu) River.
History of Tashi Chhodzong in Thimphu
In 1216, Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built the Dho-Ngon (blue stone) Dzong on a hill above Thimphu where Dechen-phodrang now stands. During the 17th century, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal came to Bhutan and completely crushed the followers of Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. In 1641 Zhab-drung rebuilt the Dho Ngon Dzong and named it Tashicho Dong (Fortress of the auspicious religion). In 1694 it was enlarged by the 4th Desi Tenzin Rabgye.
Phurgyal, during his tenure as the 32nd Desi, added the Di Tsang Lhakhang in 1826 and installed many new statues. In 1869 the Dzong once again caught fire, during the time of the 47th Desi. The Dzong was extensively repaired.
Tashichho Dzong Renovation Work
The overall renovation works were overseen by Zopen Par-pa Yodsel. In 1969, seven years later, corresponding to the Earth Bird Year, Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) Thripa Yonten Tharchin consecrated the Dzong. Je Khenpo Thri Zur Thinley Lhendup, and Dorji Lopon Nyizer Tulku.
In 2002, His Holiness the Je Khenpo consecrated and added a newly built Neten Chudrug (16 arhats, those who had extinguished all defilements) Thongdrol to Trashicho Dzong. The Buddha Shakyamuni, surrounded by the 16 arhats, is depicted in the Thongdrol. They unveil the Thongdrol to the public annually on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Bhutanese calendar. This coincides with the Duechen Ngazom (Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana) celebration.
In the past, the National Assembly met within the Dzong.
Today it houses the secretariat, throne room, and offices of the King of Bhutan. The northern portion is the summer residence.
The work of the 52nd Desi in building Tashichho Dzong
The 52nd Desi, Kitshelpa Dorji Namgyal, built the Lamai Lhakhang and the Mithrugpa Lhakhang. He also installed a statue of Mithrugpa (Akshobya), facing west.
In 1886, the Thimphu Dzongpon, Kunzang Thinley, built the Guru Lhakhang under the direction of Karmapa Khachab Dorji. The Lhakhang houses images of Guru Nangsi Zilnon (complete triumph over all illusory appearances, or the great subjugator). The Guru Tshengye (eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava) and the Gongdue Lhatshog (images of Abhipraya Samaja). His late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck took the initiative of renovating the Dzong in 1962. They rebuilt the entire Dzong in traditional fashion, without using nails or written plans.
How Tashi Chho Dzong in Thimphu was destroyed by Fire?
During the reign of the 5th Desi, Gedun Chophel, in 1698, a fire damaged the Dzong, and they restored it. The 10th Desi, Mipham Wangpo, built the Kagyu Lhakhang inside the Tashicho Dzong. In 1747, at the initiative of the 13th Desi, Chogyal Sherab Wangchuk, they enlarged the Dzong.
During the reign of the 16th Desi, Sonam Lhendup, and the 13th Je Khenpo, Yonten Thaye, the Dzong caught fire for a second time. Consequently, they proposed to move it from Dhechenphodrang and build a new Dzong at the site of its current location. Later, in 1777, during the time of the 18th Desi, Jigme Singye, they renovated the Kunrey (assembly hall of the monks) in the Dzong, as it was totally dark inside. Subsequently, it was further renovated by the 25th Desi, Pema Cheda, in 1807.
How Tashichho Dzong was destroyed by Fire?
Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. Tashichho Dzong was first constructed in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa where Dechen Phodrang now stands above Thimphu. The Dzong was originally known as Dho-Ngon (Blue Stone) Dzong
Who introduced dzong in Bhutan?
Simtokha Dzong was the first dzong to be constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The greatest builder of Dzongs in Bhutan undertook the construction of six Dzongs. This is to consolidate his newly acquired domain in western Bhutan. Also to defend himself from both internal foes and external enemies.
