Simtokha Dzong | Thimphu Attractions | Amedewa Tours And Trek

Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong is the oldest of Bhutan’s dzongs (fortified monasteries), having been built in 1629 in the archetypal style pioneered by Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Bhutan’s national unifier. Despite various restorations and remodels throughout the years, its current appearance is regarded to be roughly compatible with its original appearance. The site is often referred to as the Sangag Zabdon Chho dzong—the “Palace of Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras,” though it is most commonly known as Simtokha Dzong.

According to legend, Zhabdrung was recognized as the reincarnation of the former Drukpa lineage leader, which resulted in a power struggle in Tibet over succession. Various prophecies, on the other hand, forewarned the Zhabdrung of the enemy’s impending arrival. One prophecy was of a dream of a black raven flying southward, which he took to be a manifestation of Yeshe Gonpo (a protective deity) advising him to seek sanctuary in the southern valleys, was one of the prophecies he received.

Zhabdrung heeded the warning and traveled south to western Bhutan, where he found allies among local magnates who were also Drukpa lineage members. He gathered under his power the heads of numerous important families, particularly those from Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdi Phodrang, and Paro. With Zhabdrung at the head, the basis of the present state of Bhutan was born.

The soldiers of Zhabdrung were attacked at Simtokha in 1629, some thirteen years after fleeing Tibet, by a coalition of five opposing Buddhist schools, the so-called “five groups of lamas,” who were united in their desire to see Drukpa rule reduced. The coalition’s first onslaught failed, and there was an uneasy period of nearly five years while the coalition bided its time.

The Tibetan soldiers crossed into western Bhutan and encountered Zhabdrung’s forces at Simtokha dzong, but were repulsed after a bloody struggle. Nonetheless, the dzong’s damage was readily restored, and Zhabdrung’s prestige was significantly strengthened, assisting his upcoming unification of the rest of Bhutan.

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