The main architectural forms in Bhutan which we can observe in fortresses (dzong), temples (lhakhang) and stupas (chorten) are strongly connected to mythological narratives whose origins we have to look for in specific expressions of Bhutanese Buddhism, drukpa kagyu. Even simple and modest village houses such as in Lobesa valley pass down famous tales from the lives of monks through their architectural shapes. The construction of many temples in this area was inspired by those legends. 

In this project, using the examples of the monastery Taktsang, the Punakha fortress, and the village of Sopsokha near the temple Chimi Lhakhang, I intend to show the levels of meta-narratives which can be taken into consideration as the motivating and inspiring moments of their construction. Are they religiously and spiritually motivated, is there a political ideology behind them, are they commemorative places or are we dealing with creations of new narratives aiming to collect merits (punya) but simultaneously also attract tourists, all of which combined together increase the ”feeling of happiness” among the Bhutanese population and their GDP?