TASHICHHO DZONG

It is one of the most important dzongs in the country, not only because of its size but also because it is the seat of the central government, ministries and the National Assembly. According to tradition, a monastery, founded in the 13th century, was located on its site. Rebuilt in 1641 by the Shabdung Ngawang Namgyal, who gave it its present name, it is the place where peace between Tibet and Bhutan was signed in 1730. The dzong was damaged by fire and restored at least three times, the last time in 1962, when the third king decided to undertake major works to house the government. Tradition has it that it was built without the aid of a single nail. Unlike other dzongs, the impressively proportioned complex is located at the bottom of the valley and not high up. It was inaugurated and consecrated in 1969. The large entrance staircase is decorated with frescoes depicting the guardians of the four directions, the tutelary deities and, among them, Drukpa Kunkey, the divine madman who can be recognized by his long hair, his bow and his dog. The staircase leads to the first inner courtyard, immense and majestic, with perfect lines. The three outer walls are lined with offices: the headquarters of the ministries, the office and the king's audience room. The old central tower has not changed since the 17th century and has kept its shingle roof. Going past it, you come to the second courtyard, the clergy's, which is smaller in proportion and equally well decorated. A first temple, from the beginning of the century, borders the courtyard. Its corners are decorated with wooden Garuda sculptures. The roof is surmounted by a polychrome Wheel of the Law, carved from a single piece of wood. Small niches all around the upper part of the tower contain magnificent carved slates. On the first floor, the Assembly Hall contains a gigantic statue of Padmasambhava, flanked by his eight. The walls are frescoed and the ceilings are covered with eight superb mandalas. A second room, smaller and on the side, is forbidden to foreigners and women, it is the room of the protective deities (Gonkhang). A large modern temple occupies the north side of the courtyard. On either side of the entrance to the great hall, the walls are decorated with cosmic mandalas and a magnificent Wheel of Life. On the first floor is the hall of the National Assembly, which meets twice a year in the presence of the king. The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting the twelve main episodes of the Buddha's life.