Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

Thedtsho Gewog Town

Wangdue Phodrang District

Central Bhutan

December 8, 2023

Hello,

A Dzong is a fortified monastery with three main areas: Temple, Monks’ Living Quarters and Administrative Offices.

Dzongs serve as the religious, military, administrative, and social centers of their district. They are often the site of  religious festivals or community events.

Typically, half of the rooms inside a dzong serve administrative purposes such as the office of the governor, while the other half is dedicated to religious purposes, primarily the temple and housing for monks.

This division between administrative and religious functions reflects the idealized duality of power between the religious and administrative branches of government.

In Bhutan, massive fortifications of the dzong defended against invasions, primarily from Tibet in the north. The defensive location is usually high in the hills. 

The wooden exteriors and decorative carvings of the inner courtyard structures are unique to this part of the world. 

The colorful and dramatic exterior wall paintings of the temple depict the temple guardians and the many myths associated with Bhutan and Tibet.

At Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, photography is prohibited inside the temple.  But when you visit the interior of the temple you will agree that the artistic achievement is outstanding, resplendent, glorious, and truly beyond words.

Peace,

Jan

For everything you wanted to know about Dzongs: