The Trongsa Ta Dzong, also known as the Trongsa Ta Museum, is a historic fortress located in the town of Trongsa on the lay of Bumthang. It is one of the most important sights in the country and holds great significance in Bhutanese history.
The Trongsa Ta Dzong was built in the 17th century by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. He was the third Desi of Bhutan. It served as a defensive fortress to protect the region against invasions a long time back. It also served as the seat of power for the Wangchuck dynasty located in the central part of Bhutan defending East and West.
Today, the Trongsa Ta Dzong houses the Trongsa Ta Museum. It displays many collections of artifacts, relics, and many more that provide insights into Bhutanese history, culture, and religion. Most important you can find the crowns of the Wangchhuck Dynasty.
Travelers visiting the Trongsa Ta Museum can explore the various galleries of floors and know about the rich heritage of Bhutan. The museum offers a glimpse into the royal history of Bhutan. You will understand the significance of the dzong in the country’s governance and administration.
The Trongsa Ta Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan, offering visitors a chance to delve into the country’s history and culture. It is an important site for both locals and tourists interested in Bhutanese heritage and provides a unique opportunity to explore the significance of dzongs in Bhutan’s past and present.
Trongsa Ta Museum of Bhutan was a watchtower, which once guarded Dzong against an outside force. It stands just above the fortress and the present Town. You can visit while you are on the way to Bumthang Valley from Trongsa or vice versa. It was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa.
It has four observation points which figure out Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. After parking your car you need to climb up to visit Ta Dzong, which now houses Royal Heritage Museum or Trongsa Ta Museum. It provides you with the Importance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. The Museum is the most fascinating. The Museum was funded by Austria provides technical assistance and opened in the year 2008.
Now it has five floors. It is officially named as Royal Heritage Museum. The museum has a wide range of collections of Thangkas, Sculptures, Bronzes, Decorative arts, Arms and Armor, Ritual objects, Masks, Textiles& Royal belongings.
In the first gallery, you can see statues of the Four Guardian Kings. All entrances of Dzongs, Temples, and Monastries Their image is often found at the entrances of the temples. It is also called the “guardians of the four Quarters”, they prevent the evil influences from all directions. You can see Prayer wheels. You can see the entrances of Dzongs and Lhakhangs.
The second floor is devoted to holy men and deities related to the foundation of the Trongsa fortress. The exhibits are statues and personal belongings of Ngagi Wangchuk.
It used to be the living quarter of Lama Chan Chub Sondru (1817-1856). He was the personal guru of the first King of Bhutan father Jigme Namgyel. Lama Chan Chub Sondru was the one who made the original raven crown for Jigme Namgyel. Today the Raven crown of the second king is displayed here in the Museum. Statues and thankas during the reign of Jigme Namgyal are displayed here.
It consists of objects which belong to the first four kings of Bhutan under the Wangchuck dynasty. The dynasty are descendants of Pema Lingpa whose bronze statue is displayed here. In the background hangs an embroidered throne cover. You can see two scrolls with the oath of allegiance of King Jigme Wangchuck. It was signed by the monk body and administrative rulers.
You can find here masks, costumes, and many more which are used for Trongsa Festival inside the Trongsa Dzong. You can see also masks of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
The sixth gallery explores the ritual practice of Buddhism. Buddha Shakyamuni’s image provides with reflection of his wisdom and teachings. You can see a diamond scepter, bell, and magical dagger which a monk required for Buddhist teachings The butter lamp made from gold can be seen here.
The top floor of the seventh gallery is the living temple of Ling Gesar.
The first floor of the Eight Gallery is meant for Guru Rinpoche. He spread Buddhism in Bhutan during the 8th century. He came to Bhutan in 747 AD by the King of Bumthang. He was there in Trongsa. He subdued Muktsen. Guru Rinpoche appears in eight manifestations represented here.
On the second floor of the Nineth Gallery is Utse. This is the living Temple of Maitreya Buddha. The secret image of Drang Song can be seen on the altar. Visitors are not allowed to enter if only with a special permit.
The third floor of the tenth gallery of the Trongsa Ta Museum is devoted to the five Tathagata Buddhas. New five Buddhas were made using traditional Bhutanese techniques. Gold was the main component of the statues. Ms. Timea Tallian conservator from Austria was involved in painting the statues. Bhutanese have the opportunity to worship these deities in Trongsa.
The top of the Utse of the eleventh gallery is meant for Buddhist philosophy. Statues of Adhibuddha Vajradhara, Buddha Samantabhadra, religious texts, Kanjur containing the Buddha’s words, and Chorten provide the speech and mind of the Buddha.