THE ZHABDRUNG'S JACKFRUIT AT JAROGANG Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the visionary figure behind the unification and statehood of Bhutan, fought numerous battles—both internal and external—to protect the land that this generation proudly calls Drukyül . His efforts to consolidate power were challenged not only by Tibetan forces under the Tsang Desi but also by the Five Lamas and other internal rivals. Tibetan armies invaded Bhutan around 1629, 1631, and again in 1639, hoping to suppress Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal's growing influence before it spread too far (U.S. Library of Congress). The Tibetan forces were so formidable that, at one point, the Zhabdrung was reportedly close to fleeing to India. While preparing to leave Bhutan, he reached a place called Dhey-chhu in Athang Gewog. There, his tutelary deity, Legoen Jaro Dongchen, appeared before him with the news that the Tibetan forces had been defeated, and urged him to abandon his plan to leave Bhutan immediately. Overjoy...
