In Bhutan, there are many different kinds of blessings, and one that is particularly popular in Trongsa is called the Tshepamey Wang (Tshe dPag Med dBang). Tshepamey literally means 'Long Life' (Tshe means Life, dBang means Blessing, and dPag Med means boundless). This generally translates to 'Blessing of Long Life'. However, Tshepamey (in Sanskrit, Amitayus) is also known as the Buddha of long life.
On this particular day, we can witness a long queue of people both from Trongsa as well as from neighboring district lining up from Trongsa town to the Dzong courtyard as early as 4-5am and which last till the evening. The final blessing takes place inside the Penday Lhamoi temple in the Dzong.
In 1541, Lam Ngagi Wangchuk from the Drukpa Kagyupa religious school journeyed from Ralung in Tibet to Trongsa. Two years later, in 1543, he built a small meditation room in a place called Yuling. Following a guiding light, he eventually established his meditation place at the site where Trongsa Dzong now stands. Lam Ngagi Wangchuk encountered several illnesses during his meditation. Concerned that these ailments might hinder his practice, he sought ways to recover and extend his lifespan. To achieve this, he meditated and practiced the yoga of Buddha Tshepamey (Amitayus) for one month. During this time, Tshepamey appeared before him and reassured him, saying, "Don't worry, one day you will be cured of your sickness." The Buddha advised him to engage sincerely in the practice. If he did so effectively, Tshepamey assured him that his illness would be naturally cured, his lifespan would be extended, and he would ultimately attain enlightenment. After a month of dedicated practice, Lam Ngagi Wangchuk was indeed cured. Following this experience, the people of Trongsa requested Lam Ngagi Wangchuk to bestow the same blessing, Tshe dPag Med dBang, upon them. At the age of 49, he began offering this "blessing of long life" to the people of Trongsa and the surrounding regions. This blessing holds immense importance for people from many districts of Bhutan and is also a significant social occasion.
As the keepers of tradition and culture, Bhutanese monks in Trongsa Dzong begin their day with meditation and morning prayers as early as 3-4 am. These sessions include group chanting, musical chores, and ritual offerings for deities, lasting for 2-3 hours in morning as well as in evening. Guests are welcome to participate and witness these morning prayers and rituals in the temples of Trongsa Dzong. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the cultural and diverse monastic way of life, gaining insight into the spiritual practices that are integral to Bhutanese culture. More details of Bhutanes Monks click here
Palden Lhamo and Her Sacred Temple
Palden Lhamo's origins can be traced back to the 8th century CE in Tibet. She is often associated with the legendary Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, and his efforts to unify Tibet. According to popular belief, Palden Lhamo was originally a human queen named Lhacham Mandarava, who became a fierce protector deity after her death.
Legend has it that Lhacham Mandarava was a devoted practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism and a consort of King Songtsen Gampo. After her passing, she was believed to have become Palden Lhamo, a guardian of the Dharma. This transformation highlights the belief in the divine and transcendent nature of certain individuals who attain enlightenment.
We can organize a program for guests to witness and participate in prayers and offerings dedicated to Palden Lhamo in her sacred temple inside Trongsa Dzong. This 1-2 hour program includes prayers, rituals, mantras, and praises to Palden Lhamo, asking for her protection and blessings to overcome obstacles and achieve goals for oneself and all beings. Click here for more details of Female deity Palden Lhamo.
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