Punakha Dzong
Located at an altitude of 1242 meters above the seal level this 17th century dzong was built by the founder of the nation Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the year 1637. The Dzong is located between the PhoChuu (male river ) and Mochu (Female River) and is renowned for its grandeur and architectural marvel . The fortress’s full name is “Punthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang “ high literally translates to “The Palace of Great Bliss.” It is here that the signing of the institute of Monarchy as authority in Bhutan took place, where the 1st national assembly in 1953 was held.
History
The construction of the Dzong between the two river was prophesied by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century.in the 15th century the Bengali Mahasida Drubthob Ngagi Rinchen built a small temple which is the the current “DzongChu” or miniature Dzong.
in 1636, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel laid the foundation of the Dzong which was led by the master carpenter Zow Balip.
Renovations were undertaken by the 4th Desi Gyaltshen Tenzin Rabgye and 13th Desi Sherab Wangchuk.
The Dzong is recorded of catching fire 6 times and suffering 5 damages related to flood.
The last flood of 1994, severely impacted the Dzong’s foundation; Renovations began soon after under the command of the 4th Druk Gyalpo and which concluded in 2004.
The Dzong’s layout
The Dzong is usually accessed via a cantilever bridge over the MoChu. Arriving at the grand entrance yard, the Dzongchu sits on the Northern edge, left of the main entrance.
The Dzong’s entrance is a steep 3 way ladder, a design which has been retained from the initial architecture. In the medieval era , the 3 ladders each were designated for the ChoeGi Chila Namsum: the middle designated for the Daga Penlop, the right one for the Trongsa Penlop and left one for Paro Penlop. In modern times the center is designated for the King and the Je Khenpo, the right ones for government officials while the left is used for general public access.
The after stairs entrance has 2 giant prayer wheels and paintings of the 4 guardian kings, 4 harmonious friends, Tshering Namdruk and emblem of Buddhism.
The Dzong’s grandeur showcases 3 courtyards.
The First Court Yard
Has a Namgyel Chorten built by Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck for his Majesty The 4Th King while he was a crown prince .
Has a Bodhi Tree or Jangchun Shing which was planted by Gongzim Raja Sonam Tobgye Dorji and Rani Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji.
The 1st court yard serves administrative purposes and houses the districts official offices.
The Second Court Yard
The 2nd court yard serves the monastic purpose:-
-the utse or central tower is located between the 1st and 2nd court yard.
-The Lhamoi Goenkhang Lhakhang can also be accessed through this court yard. The main central figures in this Lhakhang is the Goen Chabdrel Sum or the statue of 3 Guardian deities.
The Third Court Yard
The 3rd courtyard is from where one can access the Machen and Kuenrey Hall.
-The Machen Lhakhang is the shrine housing the remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel which can only be accessed by the living kings, the Je Khenpo, the Machen Zimpoen and Machen Selpon.
-The Kuenrey or Prayer hall is a significant national event hall. It has the following statues and paintings :-
— main central figure of Buddha Shakyamuni with Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Guru Padmasambhava on two sides.
-Statues of Zhabdrung Tshokor Sum.
-Statues of past, present and future Buddha.
- Paintings of 12 deeds of Buddha, painting of Zhabdrung, painting of Guru Rinpoche, painting of Vajrakilyaya etc..