Following the footsteps of Guru Padmasambhava

Guru Padmasambhava, born in between 7th to 8th century, is known as one of the most powerful

incarnation of Buddha himself. The reason he is called Padmashambhava is because it is believed

that he came out from a lotus (Padma) in a river called Danakosha. It is also believed that Buddha

had made a prophecy about the birth of Padmasambhava where he had said that 200 years after

his death, his reincarnation will be born who will help the mankind in many ways. According to a

Buddhist holy book known as “Barchya lamsel” which literally translates into diminishing of all evil

that lies in the way to attaining purity. According to this book, there are 12 major places with a very

high holy presence of Guru Padmashambhava and which his religious followers must visit. Among

the 12 destinations there are major destinations that are known and worshipped by many whereas

some destinations are not yet to be discovered.

According to the holy book of ‘Barchya Lamsel’, Guru Padmashambhava was adopted by the king of

oddiyana who found him on the lotus in the river of Danakosha. He was crowned the king of the

country but like budBuddha sacrificed his royal belongings and made his way to India to serve the

mankind. While in India he married the daughter of King Mandi, Mandarawa devi. He was tormented

by King Mandi in many ways, it is also said that the king tried to burn Guru Padmashambhava alive

but he wasn’t successful in doing so. The fire that was created by King Mandi turned into a lake and

the wood that was used to create the fire turned into lotus flower. That place is known as “Cho

Pema” today, it is situated in India.

After that incident, Guru Padmashambhava along with his wife Mandarawa Devi left for Nepal. They

meditated in the caves of Halesi which lies in khotang district, for three months. He worshipped

Amitayu , who is known as Chepagme by Buddhist people, who is the god of life. Being happy from

his meditation, Amitayu blessed Guru Padmashambhava with an eternal life. Many demons tried to

disturb his meditation phase; nonetheless, he was able to free all the demons from their ill fate with

his powers.

Then he made his way to Daman, which is well known by the name of Chimmi Chyangchuk among

the Buddhist community, where he finally converted himself into a monk by accepting the yellow

attire given to him by his guru “Prava Hasti”. It is believed that he ended the water crisis that once

existed in that region of Nepal. The people who have a true heart and faith towards him are said to

see the lotus flowers in the hills of Daman as well.

After Daman he meditated in Pharping to terminate the demons that were continuously tormenting

the people of Pharping. The place which is well known as sheesh Narayan today has a cave of Guru

Padmashambhava located there; it is believed that Guru Padmashambhava fought all the demons

and made them go away.

Another very famous place where Guru Padmashambhava meditated is Timal, Kavre. It is believed

that on his way to Bodhgaya Guru Padmashambhava regained his powers by meditating in the hills

of Timal where he also got rid of the demons residing in those hills. It is believed that he also

intentionally dropped one bead of Boddhichitta in that forest, that being the reason why

boddhichitta can be found in Timal.

Cho rolwa, the lake in Rolwaling district also has a very high religious value for the followers of Guru

Padmashambhava. Near the lake one can find amazing caves where Guru Padmashambhava had

meditated for years.

Other important holy destinations of Guru Padmashambhava are said to be located on the way to

Gosaikunda, Chitwan, Jomsom and somewhere is Sindhupalchowk as well. These destinations are

not as famous as they are situated in very remote places. Nonetheless, if you desire to see them you

can always ask some monks for some advice and make a trip.

By: Sonam Dolma Sherpa