What is the importance of Dzongs?
Dzong in Bhutan is a complex of fortified building which served as a principal seat of Buddhist school. Most of the Dzongs were built to be strategic footholds for gaining influence of particular Buddhist schools and controlling over the region under the power of the schools.
What are the purpose of dzongs in Bhutan?
While traditionally, dzongs were used for defensive purposes and stocking grains in times of emergencies. These days, the dzongs are used for religious and administrative purposes. Dzongs have towering exterior walls with enclosed courtyards, temples, administrative offices, and monks’ accommodation.
Who built the dzongs in Bhutan?
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, was the greatest builders of Dzongs who undertook the constructions of six Dzongs across Bhutan. Mainly constructed with wood and stone, they had to survive the rage of frequent fires and natural calamities.
How were dzongs built in Bhutan?
There are three types of dzongs in Bhutan: Pre- Zhabdrung which were generally built by the clergies of Buddhist schools. Zhabdrung era dzongs which were built under the supervision of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The most important dzongs of Bhutan were built during the Zhabdrung era.
How many dzongs are there in Bhutan?
The five dzongs are Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong.
Why is Zhabdrung important in our history?
Zhabdrung successfully united the country under his rule, and established the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Buddhism across Bhutan. Thus he was the first to unite Bhutan into a single country. Zhabdrung Rinpoche, meaning “at whose feet one submits”.
Who is reincarnation of Zhabdrung?
Zhabdrung, which translates as ‘At whose feet one submits’, is considered to be an emanation of Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion and the reincarnation of Kuenkhen Pema Karpo, who was the 18th chief abbot of Ralung Monastery in Tibet.
How was Bhutan before Zhabdrung?
History of Bhutan – Before Shabdrung Rinpoche’s arrival in Bhutan, numerous clans ruled in different valleys of Bhutan, having internecine war and quarrel among themselves and with Tibet. The arrival of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1616 is considered as the most significant era in the history of Bhutan.
Who is UMZE Tenzin Drugyal?
Umze Tenzin Drugyal was one of the closest disciples of Zhabdrung. He was the first Desi of Bhutan.
Why did Zhabdrung leave Tibet in Bhutan?
In 1616, facing arrest and following visions (in which it is said that the chief guardian deities of Bhutan offered him a home), Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal left Tibet to establish a new base in western Bhutan, founding Cheri Monastery at the head of Thimphu valley.
Who is Bhutan’s leader?
Lotay Tshering (Dzongkha: བློ་གྲོས་ཚེ་རིང་; born 10 May 1969) is a Bhutanese politician and surgeon who is the current Prime Minister of Bhutan, in office since 7 November 2018. He has also been the president of Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa since 14 May 2018.
What is a dzong in China?
Dzongs serve as the religious, military, administrative, and social centers of their district. They are often the site of an annual tsechu or religious festival.
What is special about the dzong at Punakha Dzong?
Punakha Dzong is distinctive in that it is sited on a relatively flat spit of land at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Rivers. The rivers surround the dzong on three sides, providing protection from attack.
How many dzongs are there in Tibet?
Tibet used to be divided into 53 prefecture districts also called dzongs. There were two dzongpöns for each dzong, a lama and a layman.
What is the significance of Trongsa Dzong?
As Dzongs are the significance of both administrative and religious activities, Trongsa Dzong has long been the official headquarter building of the Trongsa government from where most of its official work is carried out. It is also a monastic complex and home to as much as 200 monks living together in the complex.