Originally known as Dongoen Dzong (Blue Stone fortess). Was founded by a Lama of Lhapa Kagyue School 1216 AD as a branch of Drikung Kagye found by Nyo Gyelwa Lhanangpa which came earlier to Drukpa school in Bhutan. Later it was taken over by Drukpa school and was used as the civil and monastic administration center under Zhabdrung and was called Tashicho dzong. In 1641 administrative house was relocated to current Tashicho dzong and in 1971 it became a monastic school. Probably the name Dechen Phodrang may have come into being since 1941 or 1971 after relocating Tashicho dzong since there can not be two Tashi Chodzongs in same area. The temple contains a number of important historical Bhutanese artifacts including 12th century paintings.