Trongsa Dzong ཀྲོང་གསར་རྫོང། — Attraction in Bagochen Boolingpang Ueling

Trongsa Dzong literally means ‘the fortress on the tip of a Dungkhar (conch) of the never-changing country of Druk and the everlasting Dharma’. Trongsa Dzong was built in 1647 during the time of Trongsa Penlop Chogyal Minjur Tenpa. It’s strategically located overlooking the Mangde Chhu (river).

It was the seat of power over central and eastern bhutan. This massive dzong is the largest fortress in Bhutan. You can see the sight of Trongsa Dzong long before you actually reach Trongsa. The intricacy of its buildings is clearly visible from town. Trongsa Dzong is undoubtedly one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. It showcases the magnificence of Bhutanese craftsmanship and traditional Bhutanese architecture.Narrow stone stairs, alleys and corridors connect the buildings.

rongsa Dzong is an important administrative building that provides the headquarters of the Government of Trongsa district. Trongsa is a strategic central location to control Bhutan and for centuries it was the seat of the Wangchuck dynasty. Thus, Trongsa Dzong is closely connected to the royal family. It was in this dzong that the first two Bhutanese kings ruled the country. Tradition also dictates that the crown prince serves as Trongsa penlops (governors) before acceding to the throne.

Trongsa Dzong was founded by Yingzin Ngagi Wangchuk, a descendant of Ngawang Chogyal and a revered follower of Kuenkhen Pema Karpo. In 1541, he meditated at the village of Yueli in Trongsa, a few kilometers from the present dzong. During the meditation, he saw a lighted butter lamp below the ridge at the present goenkhang, which houses the guardian deities, Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala).

Considering the place to be sacred, he built mediation quarters. There was once during his meditation in the new quarter, the deity Palden Lhamo appeared and prophesied that this place would play an important role in spreading the teachings of Buddha. After that incident, Yingzin Ngagi Wangchuk constructed a small temple and named it Mondrupley. Over the years, his disciples built many smaller meditation centers near Mondrupley temple, which soon began to resemble a small village. The people of Yueli named this new village Trong-sar (new village). Trongsa Dzong was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1987. Reconstruction was carried out in 1927 by the then penlop of Trongsa, Jigme Namgyal, father of Bhutan’s first king.

There is a watchtower, 25 temples dedicated to Tantric deities, a museum and a printing shop that produce religious texts within Trongsa Dzong. Most of the decoration was designed during the rule of the first king, Ugyen Wangchuck. During winter, the Trongsa rabdey (district monk body) also migrate to Trongsa Dzong from Bumthang Dzong.

The five-day Trongsa tshechu is held in the northern courtyard in December or January. It culminates in the unveiling of a thongdrol (a giant thangka - a painted or embroidered religious...

I had a remarkable stop here for several hours. A communal teaching was in progress (March 2012) where my guide and me where welcomed and seated among the locals. I could celebrate my curiosity up close and enjoy an explanation or two from senior members of the organisation. Despite the exotic language, witnessing such a large scale teaching is an intense experience, for the horn, shells and other instruments pierce straight through any sleepy mind keeping the mind focused, allowing the fast pace repetitions of, in this case i believe Padmasambhava, teachings to settle right in. ( If you can read the tongue that is... )

Trongsa Dzong behind the ceremony was a little deserted for above reason, yet it hosts many impressive wall paintings, landscape views and dzong architecture treats for it is one, if not thé longest dzong fortress in Bhutan. I found many mysteries to remain uncovered. Leaving me with the pleasure of discovery, even back home in retrospect accompanied by my photographs.

The monks and people around the dzongs have been generally very kind and enjoy encounters with the foreign, they don't mind to give you a peek around the premises. Be sure to let your Bhutanese guide know that you're not in a hurry, and like to wander around without having to consume the story behind every crack in the wall. Cause those tend to sound alike, and usually involve stories about the past which are more easily consumed in inflight magazines opposed to being there and witnessing how the culture is still alive today.

Amazing...

Trongsa Dzong, a majestic fortress perched atop a hill in Bhutan, is a testament to the kingdom's rich history and cultural heritage. Its imposing architecture and intricate design command attention, offering visitors a glimpse into Bhutan's royal past and the legacy of its ancient rulers. Stepping through its towering gates feels like stepping back in time, as you wander through its labyrinthine corridors and ornately decorated halls. With panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, Trongsa Dzong not only captivates the imagination but also offers a sense of awe and wonder at the resilience and ingenuity of Bhutanese...