Paro Rinpong Dzong

The construction of the Paro Dzong began in 1644 on the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of modern day Bhutan. Unlike most of the other Dzongs in Bhutan, it survived the massive 1897 earthquake although it was damaged by fire in 1906.

History

Paro Dzong’s full name is Ringpung Dzong, which means ‘the fortress of the heap of jewels’. In the 15th century, two brothers-descendants of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyupa School in Bhutan-named Gyelzom Gyelchok and Gyelzom lived in the Paro valley. Gyelzom established himself at Gangtakha Monastery, while his brother Gyelchok came back to Paro; he was not respected in the community, as he had became pauper. Her brother Gyelzom renounced his existence; in his eyes a “beggar” could not be part of the family.

Gyelchok then moved to Humrelkha, a place which took its name from the guardian deity of Paro, Humrel Gyalpo. He built a five-storied structure, which would later become the Paro Dzong, on a ridge above the Pa Chu River. It is said that at the base of the cliff was the La Tsho (soul lake) of the deity Jag Wog Nep. In 1644, Gyelchok, “the lord of Humrel”, relinquished his small fort to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, thus recognizing his religious and political prowess. Immediately, the Zhabdrung began the construction of a much superior and more extensive fortress. The Dzong was consecrated by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Karma Rigzin Nyingpo, the reincarnation of Terteon Sangay Lingpa. La Ngonpo Tenzin Drugda was appointed as the first Penlop in 1646 and became the centre of a dual administration –both spiritual and temporal. The Penlop’s jurisdiction extended from Pharikha in the north and Dalikha in the west to Pagsamkha in the south. In 1906, during the time of the 23rd Penlop Dawa Penjor, the Dzong was burnt almost to the ground. All important relics and stutaeswere lost to a fire and nothing could be salvaged except for the Thongdrol, a 20 x 20 meter-wide Thangka. It is displayed to the public during the annual Paro Tshechu. With money raised by a special tax levied throughout Bhutan, the Dzong was immediately rebuilt to the original design by the Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor. The master carpenters in the construction were Geden from Paro Shomo and Zochung from Paro Chang. The work was supervised by Zimpon Ri Thangpa Sigyal.

structure

Administration offices line the first courtyard of the Dzong. The entrance is guarded by two traditional paintings standing on either side of the gate: a Mongol holding a tiger on a leash and a man holding a black yak.

The five-storied utse of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful, with its outstanding woodwork. Its 4th floor has a temple dedicated to the line of Drukpa Kagyupa Lamas, a temple of the eight kinds of Chortens and a temple of Taras. A stutae of Guru Rinpoche, built by Sherab Wangchuk, is located in the 4th floor. The Goenkhang is located on the 3rd floor and houses statues of Mahakala and Mahakali. Next to it is the Teron Lhakhang, were the statue of Gonpo Maning, emanation of Mahakala, resides.

Another exceptional feature of the Dzong is the small Lhakhang built against the base of one of the eastern tower’s walls. This temple is dedicated to Chuchizhey, the eleven-headed god Avalokiteshvara, with his thousand arms and thousand eyes. The ceiling is adorned with nine beautiful mandalas. At the entrance of the Dzong is the Chador temple. In the Mithrugpa Lhakhang, the main statue is that of Lord Buddha and Zhabdrung, built by Sherab Wangchuk, the 10th Penlop. In the Dukhang is the Lord Buddha, built by Dawa Penjor.

Festival

The annual Paro Tshechu is held from the 9th till the 15th of the 2nd month every year. It was first introduced by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye in 1687. While the tshechu was initially held in the Dzong, after the reconstruction in 1906 it was held outside. The highlight of the tshechu is the Thongdol which is believed to deliver from all sins. The Thongdol that was saved from the fire of 1906 was built by Lama Nawang Rabgay and is considered one of the oldest in Bhutan. It was slightly renovated by the government about twenty years ago. The material for the Thongdol was brought from Lhasa in Tibet