Simtokha Dzong

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was one of the greatest builders of Dzongs in Bhutan. To consolidate his newly acquired domain in western Bhutan and to defend himself from both the internal foes and external enemies he started constructing Dzongs, beginning with the Simtokha Dzong has a great historical significance. The present place where the Dzong stands is at the boundary common to three prominent western regions: Sha (Wangduephodrang), Wang (Thimphu) and Pa (Paro). The intersection was marked by three stones which belonged to the people of Punakha, Thimphu and Paro. Surrounded by these three stones was a piece of land known as Sem-tokha or Sem dokha with a temple built on it. This temple was later gifted to Zhabdrung by Lam Pangka Shong. History says that a Tibetan Lama Zhang had prophesized that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal would build a Dzong at the junction of three western lands. To fulfill the prophecy and honor the offer of Lama Pangka Shong, Zhabdrung decided to build the Dzong.

The area was inhabited by many demons, and legend has it that the site where Zhabdrung decided to build the Dzong was occupied by a demon that would harm travelers who often stayed during the night. Zhabdrung visited the place and subdued the demon, banishing her into the rock on the hill where the present Dzong is located. The Dzong was constructed enclosing the rock, to ensure the continuing imprisonment of the demon. Hence the Dzong derived its name as Simtokha, from the word sinmo (demon), do (stomach), and kha (on)-the Dzong on top of the demon’s stomach.

In 1629, which corresponds to the 11th Rabjung and Earth Snake Year of the Bhutanese calendar, he laid the foundation of the Dzong. Construction of it was undertaken by Tango Choje Mipham Tshewang Tenzin with assistance from Zhabdrung’s devotees and disciples.

This was greatly hindered by five groups of Lamas (Lam-Kha-Nga), comprised of Lhapas, Barawas, Kathogpas, Nyenyingpas and Chagzampas. They already had certain areas under their control, especially in the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. Feeling threatened, they formed a coalition and obstructed the construction of the Dzong. They cut off the water supply, obstructed the smooth flow of building materials, and maimed or robbed the workers. The life of Zhabdrung was also placed in danger as they plotted to assassinate him. With support from the deities, the coalition attack was repelled, killing their leader, Lama Palden of Langmalung, in the battle. Zhabdrung accomplished his task by engaging his people at work during the daytime and teaching the Chagchen Cho-drug, the practice of maha mudras, to them during the night.

The Dzong was successfully completed in 1631, corresponding to the Iron Sheep Year of the Bhutanese calendar, and was named Sanga Zabdon Phodrang (Palace of the profound meaning of secret mantras). The Dzong was consecrated by Yongzin Khay Lhawang Lodroe and coincided with the birth of Gyalse Jampel Dorji, Zhabdrung’s son from his consort, Thricham Golkar Dolma

Structure

This Dzong, modeled on the Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung and the first of its kind to built in Bhutan, has survived to this day. The utse has twelve sides, which makes it a dodecahedron, unlike any other Dzong in Bhutan. It also has a special significance in housing the first ever inner sanctum of the largest statue of the deity Yeshey Gonpo (Mahakala), the protecting deity of Bhutan.

The nangten (main relic) of the Dzong is the statue of the Buddha Shakya Gyalpo (Buddha of compassion). It is believed that fortunate visitors will be able to see a light shining from the chest of this Buddha statue. The Dzong also hosts a statue of the God of compassion (Chenrezi). Wall paintings of one thousand images of the Buddha beautify its temples. The scriptures of Kanjur (translation of he words of Buddha) and Bum (prajnaparamita), which are thought to be unique and special, are among the precious items of the Dzong. These texts were written by the 2nd Desi, La Ngonpa Tenzin Drugda, in 1656 and fully completed by the 4th Desi, Tenzin Rabgyal, in 1674. There are twenty-one carved statues of Tara (Dolma), eight manifestations of Guru (Guru Tshengye), eight Maha Siddhas (Drupthobs), the God of wisdom and compassion (Jampelyang), and bodhisattvas made by the 3rd Desi, Chogyal Minjur Tenpa, in 1671. An additiol singular feature of the Dzong is that it has more than three hundred slate carvings of images installed by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa, the 3rd Desi of Bhutan, in 1671. The consecration Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the 4th Desi of Bhutan, was accompanied by auspicious signs of thunder, quakes, rain of flowers, and oozing of holy water from the images carved upon the slates.

Paintings of the cycle of birth and rebirth, and Thuen Pa Puenzhi (Four Harmonious Friends), also decorate the walls of the Dzongs. On entering the Dzong, one is greeted by a prayer wheel constructed by Lama Norbu Wangchuk, the 3rd principal of Rigzhung (Institute of Language and Cultural Studies).

The Dzong houses Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s palace, which is restricted to visitors. Today there also a statue of Zhabdrung, donated by the Fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, and Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. It was inaugurated by the Fifth king in honor of the 49th birth anniversary of the Fourth king, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Adjacent to the chamber of Zhabdrung is the chamber of his son, Jampel Dorji. There are also five meditation rooms to the left and right of their chambers. It also contains the chamber of Jigme Namgyal, father of the first hereditary king of Bhutan.

In 1961 Rigney School (a religious and classical studies school) was moved from its initial location at the Wangditse monastery in Thimphu, under the royal command of the Third King of Bhutan. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was appointed as the first principal of the school, which accommodated 100 students. A hostel was also built inside the Dzong in 1961. the Rigney School took care of the Dzong until the Central Monastic Body took it over in 1997 to establish a monastic school.