A Dzong is a combination administration center and temple. This particular Dzong was a good example. Built in 1647 the Punakha Dzong was the national capital of Bhutan untill 1966. At that time the capital was moved to Thimphu. In October 2008 it is in fantastic repair because it will be used for the coronation ceremony for the new king in the first week of November, 2008. Pictures are not allowed inside the temple but the administrative parts are fair game. And here we saw some fantastic mandalas decorating the walls.
The dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of modern Bhutan and it now contains his preserved body. It's said that upon his death, his attendants and advisors were so concerned about who would be selected as his successor that they kept his death a secret for 50 years.
These photos were taken in October 2008 mostly with a Nikon D3.
The dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of modern Bhutan and it now contains his preserved body. It's said that upon his death, his attendants and advisors were so concerned about who would be selected as his successor that they kept his death a secret for 50 years.
These photos were taken in October 2008 mostly with a Nikon D3.
Warning - Big: This photo of the Dzong is composed of three individual photos stitched together in Photoshop. It will make a fantastic print, and it will give you a chance to explore the image in great detail if you click on it and choose (O)riginal resolution. But it may take some time to download.
The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo and the Po rivers, a highly defensible position and one of great scenic beauty.
The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo and the Po rivers, a highly defensible position and one of great scenic beauty.
Warning - Big: This photo of the Dzong is composed of three individual photos stitched together in Photoshop. It will make a fantastic print, and it will give you a chance to explore the image in great detail if you click on it and choose (O)riginal resolution. But it may take some time to download.
The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo and the Po rivers, a highly defensible position and one of great scenic beauty.
The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo and the Po rivers, a highly defensible position and one of great scenic beauty.
