How many dzongs are there in bhutan

One such distinctive architecture that you will see all around Bhutan are the Dzongs, they are beautiful and hold a very important religious position in the country. Let's talk more about the Dzongs in Bhutan. What are the Bhutanese Dzongs? Wangdue Phodrang Dzong in Bhutan Source Dzongs can be literally translated to fortress and they represent the majestic fortresses that adorn every corner of Bhutan.

Dzong are generally a representation of victory and power when they were built in ancient times to represent the stronghold of Buddhism.

They also represent the principal seat for Buddhist school responsible for propagating the ideas of the religion. Importance of Dzongs in Bhutan Rinpung Dzong in Paro, home to the government administrative offices and monastic body of the district Source The dzongs in Bhutan serve several purposes. The two main purposes that these dzongs serve are administrative and religious purposes.

A part of the building is dedicated for the administrative purposes and a part of the building to the monks for religious purposes. Generally, this distinction is made within the same room from where both administrative and religious activities are conducted. There is separate accommodation for the temple monk's adjacent to the main building. The construction of the dzong is such that there is a huge tower in the centre which is surrounded by a rectangle complex. Located in the less visited eastern province of the country, Lhuentse Dzong sits at the end of the narrow Kuri Chhu valley atop a rocky promontory with sheer hill sides.

The dzong is home to a small body of monks and as it receives so few visitors it tends to be a little more laidback than many of the larger dzongs making for a more leisurely visit. Jakar Dzong was originally built as a monastery in and was once the seat of the first king of Bhutan. The dzong is unique in the country in having a sheltered passageway to a nearby spring which ensured a supply of water to inhabitants during times of siege.

Sitting proudly on the bank of the Paro Chhu river the dzong is accessed by crossing a traditional cantilevered bridge and the structure is visible from most parts of the valley. Adjacent to the dzong is the national museum, or Ta Dzong, which was originally built as a watchtower and now houses many Bhutanese artefacts and some marvellous religious thangkhas. The dzong is also the site of the colourful and energetic Paro tsechu which is held in Spring and is one of the most popular festivals in the country drawing people from some distance to enjoy the masked dances performed by monks.

Built in , the dzong is the winter residence of the central body of monks who descend from northern locations to the warmer climate of the south to wait out the winter cold. The dzong was the second to be built in Bhutan and is probably regarded as the most striking especially in the Spring months when the jacaranda trees offer splashes of lilac colour against the whitewashed walls: the sight of crimson-robed monks walking through the grounds amidst the jacaranda blossoms is an iconic image of Bhutan.

Explore the hundred-pillar assembly hall and the wonderful murals depicting the life of Buddha. The dzong also contains the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who is cited as unifying Bhutan as a nation state. My Bhutan Diary: Part One. Today, they are predominately administrative offices and religious residences, as well as being homes to museums and cultural stages. There are, of course, innumerable dzongs throughout Bhutan, but there are three must-sees on the Bhutan circuit.

The iconic central watchtower looms above the surrounding structure, as a strategic architectural component common to all dzongs across the country.

Similar to Paro, the large complex is entered via a traditional wooden bridge, however, the Punakha dzong is really quite unique. The complex is also encircled with Jacaranda trees which bloom a brilliant lilac in Spring, making it the best time of year to visit. Explore Bhutan with Remote Lands. The white washed high walls of the dzong offer a picturesque backdrop to the lilac flowers and red robed monks, whom you can find wandering the compound in deep reflection.

However, the prime attraction in the dzong is the third courtyard, which is home to the main temple and the hundred pillar assembly hall. The detailed and colourful murals painted on the walls inside provide an insight into the history and beliefs of Buddhism in Bhutan, slightly different to what is practiced in nearby Tibet.