Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong is also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (translates to fort of deep significance of Secret Mantras). It is said to be the first dzong in Bhutan, which has survived as a whole structure in comparison to other dzongs. Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this is the first dzong to provide administrative facilities and serves as the home of institute for Language and Culture Studies. Simtokha which translates to simmo (demoness) and do (stone) is said to be build at a site from where it was easy to guard over the demon which vanished into a nearby rock. The dzong protects Thimphu and adjoining valleys leading to the Dochu La and eastern Bhutan. While it was getting constructed, the dzong was attacked by the Tibetans and few Bhutanese lamas, who were against Shabdrung’s rule. The attack was repelled. The Tibetans again attacked the dzong in 1630, and this time managed to take the control of it. However, Shabdrung was successful in acquiring control of the dzong again when the main building got collapsed with the fire, leading to invaders death. The central figure in the Lhakhang is of Sakyamuni, and the paintings inside is said to be the oldest and most beautiful in Bhutan.