The Wangdue Phodrang dzong was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu, clearly chosen for its commanding view of the valleys below. Legend relates another reason for choosing this spot: as people searched for a site for the dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spreading of religion to the four points of the compass.
Wangdi is important in the history of Bhutan because in the early days it was the country's second capital. After Trongsa Dzong was established in 1644, the penlop of Wangdue Phodrang became the third most powerful ruler, after the penlops of Paro and Trongsa. The dzong's strategic position gave the penlop control of the routes to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana and Thimphu.
Sadly the dzong caught fire (believed to be the result of an electrical fault) on 24 June 2012 and was virtually destroyed save for the lower walls. Almost immediately funds were raised for its restoration and the first steps of this mammoth task were underway at the time of writing.
The Guru Tshengye Thondrol, depicting Guru Rinpoche, is unfurled here each year in the early hours of the final day of the autumn tsechu festival . While the dzong is being rebuilt the tsechu will be held on a field at the nearby Army Training Centre .
