Overview:

Pungthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang, also known as Trashichhodzong, is the religious and administrative centre of Bhutan, located in the western part of the country. It has been the seat of the monarchy and state since its completion in 1641. It is located near the border with India and overlooks the Paro valley. The palace complex is comprised of several buildings, including temples, shrines, courtyards, pavilions, fortifications, offices, and quarters for monks and aristocrats. The palace is surrounded by a large wall with bulwarks and four entrances, each having large stone gateways. There are also numerous paintings, sculptures, and statues that adorn the walls of the palace. In addition to being an important historical landmark, the palace also serves as a symbol of the unification of Bhutan and its spiritual heritage. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

The Pungthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness) in Bhutan is an impressive three-story wooden palace that overlooks the Punakha valley. The palace was built in 1745 and is known for its architecture which is a mix of Bhutanese, traditional Buddhist, and Nepalese styles. The first floor of the palace houses the Golden Throne Room. It is a small, 8-faceted chapel with a unique gold leafed, wooden throne at the center. The throne is dedicated to the future manifestation of Bhutan's founder Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The second floor of the palace is the Long Life Chapel. The chapel has seven separate chapels dedicated to seven deities. There is also a prayer wheel, which is believed to increase the longevity of those who turn it. On the third floor, there is the Living Gods Room, which is where the abbot of the local monastery resides. The palace is known for its brightly painted windows and panels, intricate carvings, and colorful murals. The front entrance to the palace displays colorful flags that represent religion, tradition, and culture. On the outside, the palace has the traditional Bhutanese triangular roofs. The Pungthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang is a manifestation of Bhutanese culture, history, and tradition. It has become a popular destination for visitors to observe Bhutanese architecture, learn about the culture and history, and to admire the stunning views of the Punakha Valley. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Pungthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness) is a historical palace in Bhutan that was established between 1686 and 1691 by the 45th Druk Desi Minjur Tenpa. The palace stands as a testament to Bhutan’s ancient cultural and architectural heritage, being the oldest surviving palace in the country. The palace was originally intended to be the residence of the Druk Desi, the King’s chief representative in Bhutan. It has served as a royal residence ever since and is now used for royal and state ceremonies, such as the crowning of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan. The palace is situated on a hill in the Dochula valley, located some 13 kilometers from the capital city of Thimphu. It was constructed from stone and timber, and features intricate sculptures and carvings of deities and monsters on its walls. The interior of the palace is decorated with various ritual items, artifacts, and jewelry that were historically gifted to Bhutan’s royalty. The palace also includes a library, which holds manuscripts and documents dating back to the early 19th century. Pungthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang is considered to be one of the most important cultural sites in Bhutan, and is protected as a National Heritage. Today, the palace is open to visitors who wish to explore its ancient architecture and captivating atmosphere. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Pungthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang is a palace complex located in Bumthang Valley, Bhutan. 2. The palace is believed to be the home of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava), the legendary founder of Buddhism in Bhutan. 3. It is thought to be the site of the first monastery established in the country in the 8th century. 4. The palace was founded by Mangkhar Penlop Chhojey Yeshey Rabgyal in 1592 AD. 5. The last royal occupant of the palace was the 8th King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. 6. The complex is surrounded by three stories of whitewashed walls and a four-story main tower, or keep, with dual-dragon flag poles at the entrance gate. 7. Many of the walls of the palace are adorned with 17th century murals depicting stories from Bhutanese folk tales and religious stories. 8. Interestingly, the palace showcases both Buddhist and Hindu iconography, as Hinduism and Buddhism had both been practiced in the area at the time. 9. The main tower of the palace was renovated in 2005 by the royal government of Bhutan to restore it to its former grandeur. 10. The main tower is now a two-storied museum, known as the Tsepina Museum, where the artefacts and cultural relics of the former royal palace are on display. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.