Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong (Paro Chu River, Paro) — this is a large dzong (Buddhist monastery and fortress) of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro District. The dzong’s full name – Rinche Pung Dzong is literally translated as “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. It gets such a name because of its large collection of treasured buildings. All the buildings are equipped with huge windows with elaborate wooden carvings of Bhutan traditional motifs. As the finest example of Bhutanese architecture, Rinpung Dzong is always listed in the top attractions in Bhutan. No matter you are in which corner of Paro Valley, you can see Rinpung Dzong easily.
During 17th and 18th century, Paro Dzong was an important bastion for the Kingdom of Bhutan against invasion from the north. At present, it houses the Monastic Body and government offices, and serves as the religious, military, administrative, and social centers of their district. Rinpung Dzong is also the site of colorful Tsechu when a series of dances are performed by masked dancer in honor of Guru Rinpoche. Some scenes of film “Little Bhutan” directed by famed Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci was filmed in this dzong.