Dungkar Dzong, gracefully perched on a landscape resembling the sacred dungkar, or conch shell, exudes serene majesty as it rests on a lotus-like tableland. Located at an altitude between 2,500 and 3,000 metres at the confluence of four sacred sites, the dzong commands a sweeping view of the Paro Valley. This revered land is protected by Dongkar Tsen to the east, Pangkarla Tsen Genyen Norbu Zangpo to the west, Tinghi Zhay Zangma to the south, and Wangdue Ney, the sacred abode of Chakrasamvara, to the north. The Dola family—a father, mother, and son—or the Three Treasure Protectors: Dzachen Rahula, Lhamo Ekajati, and Damchen Dorji Legpa, are revered for blessing and safeguarding this sacred territory.
The term Dungkar, derived from a village of the same name in Lhuntse, holds deep historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of the Wangchuck Dynasty and the ancestral seat of the noble Dungkar Chhoeje family. This holy site serves as a wellspring of Bhutanese monarchical ancestry, with the royal family tracing their origins to the esteemed Great Treasure Revealer, Pema Lingpa. Beyond its historical importance, Dungkar is also regarded as a sacred instrument, believed to carry the teachings of the Dharma and dispel malevolent forces. In Buddhist cosmology, the reverberation of the conch signifies supreme authority, sovereignty, and spiritual potency, reputed to banish adversities, avert natural calamities, and neutralize threats. This symbolism further enhances the dzong’s role as a bastion of cultural and spiritual preservation, enshrining the ancestry and enduring legacy of Bhutanese kingship.
Dungkar (Dung: region; Kar: purity) embodies a landscape defined by the multifaceted dynamics of external, internal, and secretive dimensions of purity, each significantly contributing to its geographical and historical relevance. Externally, the region of Pangbisa is characterized by a rich diversity of coniferous trees, flowering plants, and rhododendron bushes, with the dzong serving as a source of pure offerings to the Lama, Yidam, Khandro, and the Protectors. The sacred water originating from Tsebum Ney (the long-life vase of rock) at Pangkarla flows through Pangbisa and Nabisa, purifying and sanctifying the valleys. Seasonal snowfall further reinforces the region’s sacredness, promising peace and harmony for the nation. Internally, the Paro Valley holds historical significance, having been the site of pivotal events such as the successful repulsion of Tibetan and Mongol invaders, political consolidation, and the unification of western Bhutan. Notably, Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck began his political career as Paro Penlop at the age of 16, laying the foundation for the monarchy that would ultimately guide Bhutan into modern statehood. In its secretive aspect, Pangbisa is venerated as a site of vision and wisdom, blessed by Guru Rinpoche and native Tertons of Paro—Sarban Chogmed (1027-1086), Tshering Dorji, and Ngawang Drakpa—as well as the Tibetan Terton Sherab Mebar in the 14th century. The presence of Terton Sherab Mebar’s sacred skull at Pangbisa Ugyen Guru Lhakhang further underscores the site’s profound spiritual sacredness and its vital role in Bhutan’s spiritual landscape.
The tradition of relocating capitals and ancestral sites in Bhutan epitomizes a governance model that adapts to shifting political, cultural, and geographical factors, demonstrating the nation’s foresight and adaptability. The commemorative relocation of Dungkar Dzong—from its original site in Dungkar, Lhuentse, to Pangbisa, under the guidance of His Majesty the King—preserves both its spiritual and temporal significance while addressing the evolving needs of modern governance. This realignment strengthens the dzong’s position as a lasting symbol of national unity and sovereignty. Architecturally, Dungkar Dzong merges traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality, reflecting Bhutan’s commitment to cultural heritage and political evolution. Beyond its physical structure, the dzong stands as a testament to Bhutan’s principles of independence and self-reliance, carrying forward a legacy across generations. This transformation highlights Bhutan’s unique approach to statecraft, blending cultural preservation with modern developments to strengthen national stability. Dungkar Dzong thus stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s historical legacy and a beacon for a harmonious future, deeply rooted in the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
In Vajrayana, the conch shell, often depicted atop a lotus flower, serves as a multifaceted symbol of natural emergence and spontaneous perfection. This sacred object holds a central place within the four enlightened activities—pacifying, increasing, magnetizing, and subjugating—playing a vital role in resolving conflicts and alleviating challenges such as disease and prolonged famine. Its association with pacification is especially significant, as the conch is revered for its power to bring timely rainfall, ensure bountiful harvests, enhance the land’s auspiciousness, and promote a sense of interconnectedness that helps awaken our innate wisdom. Additionally, the fort, named after the conch, stands as a symbol of victory over adversity, embodying the transformative strength of compassionate wisdom while ushering in auspiciousness and fostering collective well-being.
Dungkar stands as a profound embodiment of tendrel, representing a vital connection within the spiritual landscape of Bhutan. This significance is manifested by Terton Pema Lingpa, who, upon the pivotal discovery of the yellow scroll of the Great Perfection (rdzogs chen) at Drakmar Namgo, established a powerful tendrel at Pangbisa. This significance is reinforced by the sacred rock Pagsam Gyenshing, revered as a wish-fulfilling tree that symbolizes profound aspirations, which are essential for the fulfillment of diverse enlightened activities in the region. Pema Lingpa’s fervent prayers for auspiciousness at this site facilitated the construction of a dzong by his descendants more than five centuries later, forging a lasting connection to their ancestral lineage. Similarly, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, during a visionary experience in the mountainous pass above Paro, encountered Mahakala, the chief protector, who conferred upon him dominion over the southern lands, securing his triumph over Tibetan forces and illuminating the historical significance of the site. The prophecy conveyed by the guardian deity seeded a tendrel for the eventual construction of a dzong, which transpired over four centuries later. Furthermore, the Dzong at Ugyen Guru Lhakhang in Pangbisa, housing the venerated talking statue of Guru Rinpoche, signifies divine protection of Bhutan’s sovereignty amid external threats. The conch shell, symbolizing the turning of the Dharma wheel, marked a significant religious milestone when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal received the teachings of Rigzin Nyingpo in Paro. This union of the Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma traditions enriched Bhutan’s spiritual practices and had a lasting impact on the nation’s religious identity.
Dungkar’s connection is deeply rooted in Bhutan’s historical and political identity, symbolized by its fort and leaders sharing the same name. The Dungkar Dzong in Lhuentse and the newly inaugurated Dzong in Pangbisa reflect the Wangchuck Dynasty’s visionary and compassionate leadership, serving as enduring pillars of the nation’s wisdom and governance. The Sertog (golden pinnacle) inauguration atop the Utse at Dungkar Dzong in Pangbisa on November 11(Gross National Happiness Day), 2023, by His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck represents a pivotal moment, signifying the legacy he is poised to inherit as Bhutan’s Sixth Druk Gyalpo. This event underscores the link between His Royal Highness and his ancestor, Kuzu Jigme Namgyel, highlighting unbroken lineage and steadfast leadership in Bhutanese governance. Further, the planting of a cypress tree by His Royal Highness in the dzong’s ground serves as a profound symbol of his unwavering commitment to the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage and sovereignty. This gesture revitalizes the legacy he embodies and reinforces a national vision aligned with Desi Jigme Namgyel, marking his aspiration to create a better Bhutan.
On the international stage, Dungkar Dzong, Bhutan’s largest modern structure, stands as a dynamic expression of the nation’s liberal values, functioning as a central hub for education, innovation, dialogue, and spiritualism. It aims to establish global partnerships that enable Bhutan to navigate the complexities of the twenty-first century while strengthening its adaptive capacities. The dzong exemplifies Bhutan’s unwavering commitment to sovereignty and a distinctive, values-driven identity amid the challenges of globalization.As a powerful symbol of diplomacy and resilience, Dungkar Dzong reflects Bhutan’s strategic approach to managing regional power dynamics through the lens of Gross National Happiness (GNH), prioritizing holistic well-being over mere economic advancement. From a constructivist perspective, it harmonizes the nation’s identity with global norms, representing a profound synthesis of tradition and governance that enriches discussions on freedom and national well-being. Ultimately, Dungkar Dzong illustrates Bhutan’s rich sovereign identity, portraying the nation’s commitment to its symbolic preservation while engaging in global diplomacy and balancing tradition with modernity.
May Dungkar Dzong stand as a steadfast emblem of cultural identity and resilience, inspiring successive generations to uphold our sovereignty under the enlightened leadership of compassionate monarchs.
Contributed by Sonam Chophel, Lecturer, Samtse College of Education