Punakha Dzong
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong (meaning 'palace of great happiness or bliss'), is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637-1638, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. Punakha Dzong was built on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire Ox year in 1637. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the Terton Pema Lingpa.
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the dzong's characteristically towering whitewashed walls. It served as the capital and seat of government until the mid-1950s. All of Bhutan's kings have been crowned here. The dzong is still the winter residence of the dratshang (official monk body).
The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. The source of the Mo chu river is in the northern hills of Lighsi and Laya in Bhutan, and in Tibet. The Po Chu River is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region of the Punakha valley. In view of the healthy climate in the region, Punakha is the winter capital of Bhutan.
The head of the clergy of Bhutan with his entourage of monks spend the winter in this dzong. Jacaranda trees grow around the dzong, blooming with mauve flowers in the spring.
Access to the dzong is across the Bazam bridge, which was rebuilt in 2008 after the original 17th-century bridge was washed away in floods in 1958. The room above the bridge entrance has displays on the renovations and on Bhutanese cantilever bridge architecture.In addition to its strategic position at the river confluence, the dzong has several other features to protect it against invasion. The steep wooden entry stairs are designed to be pulled up, and there is a heavy wooden door that is still closed at night.
Bhutan's most treasured possession is the Rangjung ('Self-Created') Kharsapani, an image of Chenresig that is kept in the Tse Lhakhang in the utse of the Punakha Dzong. It was brought to Bhutan from Tibet by the Zhabdrung and features heavily in Punakha's famous dromchoe festival. It is closed to the public.
There is something about visiting the Punakha Dzong in the afternoon. The afternoon sun brings out the richness of the paintings. The rays slant just enough to hit the organically painted and carved wooden railings. Monks seem more relaxed in the afternoon, and if you are a photographer, you wont get enough of the red of the beetle nut glistening from the mouths of our maroon robed monks.
These two festivals not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions but also provide devout Buddhists with an opportunity for prayer and pilgrimage. They reflect the richness of the Bhutanese cultural heritage and are very special in the eyes and hearts of both Bhutanese and tourists who visit Bhutan.
Things to Remember When Visiting the Punakha Dzong
You will not be allowed to enter the Dzong without proper permits. Make sure your guide has the permit ready with him.
You will not be allowed into the Dzong without a licensed tour guide.
You will not be allowed to enter the Dzong if you are wearing: caps, hats, shorts, vests or umbrellas.
You may take pictures in the Dzong. But once inside a temple in the Dzong, photography is prohibited.
When visiting the Kuenrey, you must take off your shoes.
The Dzong does not have restrooms appropriate for westerners. You are advised to be prepared accordingly.
Punakha Dzong is an important Dzong, frequently visited by His Majesty, His Holiness, and other members of the Royal Family. During your visit, if you should come across them, proper respect must be displayed.
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the dzong's characteristically towering whitewashed walls. It served as the capital and seat of government until the mid-1950s. All of Bhutan's kings have been crowned here. The dzong is still the winter residence of the dratshang (official monk body).
The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. The source of the Mo chu river is in the northern hills of Lighsi and Laya in Bhutan, and in Tibet. The Po Chu River is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region of the Punakha valley. In view of the healthy climate in the region, Punakha is the winter capital of Bhutan.
The head of the clergy of Bhutan with his entourage of monks spend the winter in this dzong. Jacaranda trees grow around the dzong, blooming with mauve flowers in the spring.
Access to the dzong is across the Bazam bridge, which was rebuilt in 2008 after the original 17th-century bridge was washed away in floods in 1958. The room above the bridge entrance has displays on the renovations and on Bhutanese cantilever bridge architecture.In addition to its strategic position at the river confluence, the dzong has several other features to protect it against invasion. The steep wooden entry stairs are designed to be pulled up, and there is a heavy wooden door that is still closed at night.
Bhutan's most treasured possession is the Rangjung ('Self-Created') Kharsapani, an image of Chenresig that is kept in the Tse Lhakhang in the utse of the Punakha Dzong. It was brought to Bhutan from Tibet by the Zhabdrung and features heavily in Punakha's famous dromchoe festival. It is closed to the public.
There is something about visiting the Punakha Dzong in the afternoon. The afternoon sun brings out the richness of the paintings. The rays slant just enough to hit the organically painted and carved wooden railings. Monks seem more relaxed in the afternoon, and if you are a photographer, you wont get enough of the red of the beetle nut glistening from the mouths of our maroon robed monks.
These two festivals not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions but also provide devout Buddhists with an opportunity for prayer and pilgrimage. They reflect the richness of the Bhutanese cultural heritage and are very special in the eyes and hearts of both Bhutanese and tourists who visit Bhutan.
Things to Remember When Visiting the Punakha Dzong
You will not be allowed to enter the Dzong without proper permits. Make sure your guide has the permit ready with him.
You will not be allowed into the Dzong without a licensed tour guide.
You will not be allowed to enter the Dzong if you are wearing: caps, hats, shorts, vests or umbrellas.
You may take pictures in the Dzong. But once inside a temple in the Dzong, photography is prohibited.
When visiting the Kuenrey, you must take off your shoes.
The Dzong does not have restrooms appropriate for westerners. You are advised to be prepared accordingly.
Punakha Dzong is an important Dzong, frequently visited by His Majesty, His Holiness, and other members of the Royal Family. During your visit, if you should come across them, proper respect must be displayed.
Chimi Lhakang - The Fertility Temple
Chimi Lhakhang or Chime Lhakhang or Monastery is also known as the 'fertility temple', the single building site was originally built in 1499 on around hillock by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by rogue Buddhist leader Drukpa Kunley (1455-1529), known as the, 'Divine Madman' also known as 'the maverick saint who built chorten on the site.
In founding the site it is said that Lama Kunley subdued a demon of Dochu La with his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom” and trapped it in a rock at the location close to where the chorten now stands. He was known as the "Mad Saint" or “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism by singing, humour and outrageous behaviour, which amounted to being bizarre, shocking and with sexual overtones. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and as flying carved wooden phalluses on house tops at four corners of the eves.
It is widely known today that most of the people who visit the temple do so to pray for children-either to ask for children by those who are childless or to seek protection for children by those who already have them. Couples who visit the Lhakhang are blessed by a replication of the iron bow and arrows of Drukpa Kuenley, his scriptures and the phallus, which is the symbolic representation of fertility.
The Chimi Lhakhang, which is surrounded by a row of prayer wheels and some beautiful slate carvings. The bodhi tree here is believed to have been brought from Bodhgaya. You will see the central statue of the lama and his dog Sachi, as well as statues of the Zhabdrung, Sakyamuni and a 1001-armes Chenrezig. To the right is a statue of Kuenley's cousin, the founder of the temple.
Most visitors take the 20-minute trail across fields from the road at Sopsokha to the temple (take a hat and be prepared for wind, dust or mud). The trail leads downhill across rice fields to Yoaka (which means 'in the drain') and on to the tiny settlement of Pana, which means 'field'. It then crosses an orchard before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. It's also possible to start walking from Pana village.
In founding the site it is said that Lama Kunley subdued a demon of Dochu La with his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom” and trapped it in a rock at the location close to where the chorten now stands. He was known as the "Mad Saint" or “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism by singing, humour and outrageous behaviour, which amounted to being bizarre, shocking and with sexual overtones. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and as flying carved wooden phalluses on house tops at four corners of the eves.
It is widely known today that most of the people who visit the temple do so to pray for children-either to ask for children by those who are childless or to seek protection for children by those who already have them. Couples who visit the Lhakhang are blessed by a replication of the iron bow and arrows of Drukpa Kuenley, his scriptures and the phallus, which is the symbolic representation of fertility.
The Chimi Lhakhang, which is surrounded by a row of prayer wheels and some beautiful slate carvings. The bodhi tree here is believed to have been brought from Bodhgaya. You will see the central statue of the lama and his dog Sachi, as well as statues of the Zhabdrung, Sakyamuni and a 1001-armes Chenrezig. To the right is a statue of Kuenley's cousin, the founder of the temple.
Most visitors take the 20-minute trail across fields from the road at Sopsokha to the temple (take a hat and be prepared for wind, dust or mud). The trail leads downhill across rice fields to Yoaka (which means 'in the drain') and on to the tiny settlement of Pana, which means 'field'. It then crosses an orchard before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. It's also possible to start walking from Pana village.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
It is located at a few kilometers away from Khuruthang town at Wolakha village on a ridge amidst pine trees neighboring Punakha with Wangdue Phodrang. The temple complex is a learning and meditation center for the nuns along with providing other trainings such as embroidery, tailoring, statue making and thangka painting.
There is a majestic bronze statue of a height of 14 foot Avalokiteshwara. The statue is also considered as one of the biggest statues in the country made by the unique handwork of many local Bhutanese artisans. Besides, the other statues present here include of Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Namgyel Namsum, Saint Padmasambhava, and the 21 Taras, Tsela Namsum and the Tsepamay (Buddha of Longevity).
There is a majestic bronze statue of a height of 14 foot Avalokiteshwara. The statue is also considered as one of the biggest statues in the country made by the unique handwork of many local Bhutanese artisans. Besides, the other statues present here include of Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Namgyel Namsum, Saint Padmasambhava, and the 21 Taras, Tsela Namsum and the Tsepamay (Buddha of Longevity).
Talo Monastery/ Talo Sangcholing Temple
Talo Sangcholing temple which is a 16-kilometer road from Khuruthang town. It was founded by Chogtrul Jigme Singye the 4th reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. For over many centuries, the temple has served as the residence of the mind reincarnations of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. There are many lhakhangs including the Neten Chudrug (Sixteen Arhats) at Talo.
The Talo festival takes place in the quaint village of Talo at Talo Monastery, approximately one hour drive from Punakha and situated at an elevation of 2800 m. The three-day festival is particularly popular for its mask and atsara dances. Indigenous to this festival is the classical dance ( Zungdra) by Talo dance group. The three songs of Mani sum, which includes the Zungdra set is performed at the end of each day. The festival besides its religious significance, is an opportunity for villagers and families to come together and celebrated.
The Talo festival takes place in the quaint village of Talo at Talo Monastery, approximately one hour drive from Punakha and situated at an elevation of 2800 m. The three-day festival is particularly popular for its mask and atsara dances. Indigenous to this festival is the classical dance ( Zungdra) by Talo dance group. The three songs of Mani sum, which includes the Zungdra set is performed at the end of each day. The festival besides its religious significance, is an opportunity for villagers and families to come together and celebrated.
Nalanda Buddhist College
Nalanda Buddhist College is nestled on a steep mountain in Punakha. Nalanda Buddhist Institute is a small Drukpa Kagyu monastic school (100 students) in Punakha district, Bhutan. All monks in Bhutan receive a small stipend from the government, but the school is not state funded. Principal Sonam Tshewang is responsible for all resource mobilisation associated with running the school.
On completion of their studies the monks go onto further monastic studies at higher learning institutions. The students often, but not always, come from rural backgrounds and the choice of becoming a monk is framed by economic hardships at home. At this early stage in their education, they have no ability to earn a living through praying for others (holding puja) and the school is responsible for provision of all their needs-food, healthcare, accomodation, clothing and education.
On completion of their studies the monks go onto further monastic studies at higher learning institutions. The students often, but not always, come from rural backgrounds and the choice of becoming a monk is framed by economic hardships at home. At this early stage in their education, they have no ability to earn a living through praying for others (holding puja) and the school is responsible for provision of all their needs-food, healthcare, accomodation, clothing and education.
khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten sits high above Punakha Valley, affording panoramic views of the verdant hillsides below. The four-storey temple remains a worthy example of the country's traditional architecture and artistic techniques. Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese craftsmen including carpenters, painters, and sculptors consulted holy scriptures rather than engineering manuals, to construct this four-storey temple.
The Three-level chorten is topped by a dome and a stack of 12 circular rings, then an umbrella, the sun, moon and finally a jeweled pinnacle. A road leads from a view point down to a parking lot by the river, where a bridge leads across to provide access to a footpath up to the chorten. This is also a put-in spot for rafting and kayaking on the Mo Chhu.
As you reach the entrance, you can see the row of white chortens on one side of the platform, a statue on the valley side, with a goddess subduing a demon by putting her feet on his body, and above all, enjoy the view around: the mountains, the trees everywhere, the rice terraces you had walked through. The best view of Punakha is enjoyed from the top of this temple. If the caretaker is convinced that you will not take pictures inside the temple, and only shoot out of the temple, you will be allowed to take your cameras. On the top floor, you can step outside and enjoy the view.
It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well being of Bhutanese.
The Three-level chorten is topped by a dome and a stack of 12 circular rings, then an umbrella, the sun, moon and finally a jeweled pinnacle. A road leads from a view point down to a parking lot by the river, where a bridge leads across to provide access to a footpath up to the chorten. This is also a put-in spot for rafting and kayaking on the Mo Chhu.
As you reach the entrance, you can see the row of white chortens on one side of the platform, a statue on the valley side, with a goddess subduing a demon by putting her feet on his body, and above all, enjoy the view around: the mountains, the trees everywhere, the rice terraces you had walked through. The best view of Punakha is enjoyed from the top of this temple. If the caretaker is convinced that you will not take pictures inside the temple, and only shoot out of the temple, you will be allowed to take your cameras. On the top floor, you can step outside and enjoy the view.
It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well being of Bhutanese.
Ritsha Village
Ritsha Village, It is located alongside the Mochu and is famous for rice farming of both red and white local rice. Ritsha means 'at the base of a hill' surrounded with beautiful vegetable gardens, paddy fields and oranges and papaya trees.
Ritsha Village is blessed with the most fertile land due to unique location along the bank of meandering river stream, making it the biggest rice growing region in Bhutan. The view of verdant terraced paddy field surrounding the quaint hamlets while visiting Ritsha creates a visual treat for the tourists. Apart from being famous as largest rice producing region, Ritsha village with its simple and laid back style has attracted the travelers visiting Punakha Valley.
From taking a strolling along the luxuriant paddy fields or watching a mesmerizing sunset over the meandering river stream, tourist visiting the scenically blessed Ritsha Village can relish them all. The view of small houses made out of mud cuddled amidst the terraced paddy field is an added charm for the visitors.
Ritsha Village is blessed with the most fertile land due to unique location along the bank of meandering river stream, making it the biggest rice growing region in Bhutan. The view of verdant terraced paddy field surrounding the quaint hamlets while visiting Ritsha creates a visual treat for the tourists. Apart from being famous as largest rice producing region, Ritsha village with its simple and laid back style has attracted the travelers visiting Punakha Valley.
From taking a strolling along the luxuriant paddy fields or watching a mesmerizing sunset over the meandering river stream, tourist visiting the scenically blessed Ritsha Village can relish them all. The view of small houses made out of mud cuddled amidst the terraced paddy field is an added charm for the visitors.
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