Historical Account of Mangzee Brak Waterfall

The waterfall of Mangzee Brak (aka Mangzee Brak Chuthor) is remarkable creation of nature that cascades down the foundational cliff of Yedang giving scenic and satisfactory view to flocks of Paam. Water falls from the height of around one hundred meters high cliff crashingg down into a beautiful shallow pool. On sunny days it is festooned with myriad coloured rainbows as if it is permanently etched on the background rock.
This spectacular natural environ, nourished by the cascading waterfall the cliff has it's own ecosystem that favoured varied floura and fauna on the steep cliff. It is home to mountain goats and monkeys that keep villagers busy. The abundant growth of cane on the cliff add richness to its ecosystem among other trees, shrubs, and bushes. Flowers such as primula also bloom around the pool in few numbers occasionally. The waterfall is feast of vision to all travelers.

Water Fall of Mangzee Brak

It is not just the spectacular scenery and the ecosystem, the history of this waterfall is worth retelling and passing on throughout the generations.

The Majestic cliff of Mangzee Brak and the pool beneath is the abode of Gaylong Marpu (The Red Monk). Gaylong Marpu is a kindhearted and harmless local dweller of the place. However, local historians warn that if he is proved for a whole day, beyond his tolerable limit, his wrath and consequences can never be escaped. One day, long ago, a boy from present-day Kharchung stoned the pool of Mangzee Brak aimlessly from morning hours and kept calling the name Gaylong Marpo for the whole day. Nothing terrifying was observed during the day. So, he kept on stoning the pool. In the evening, it is said that a formless figure (coloured in red and yellow)  emerged from the pool and chased him till Khimsar (below Kharchung). The boy is said to have died immediately upon reaching home. The harmlessness of Gaylong Marpo can be also concluded from my personal account of having had swum in the pool during primary school days.

Gaylong Marpu is also believed to be rich, kind-hearted, and helpful dweller. Long ago, when people had large social and religious gathering, the locals of Paam and nearby village had no enough pots and pans to use. In such circumstances people use to visit Mangzee Brak, offer smoke oblation, and request for utensils. Next morning pots and pans will be readily stacked by the side of the pool. As soon has the gatherings are done, people used to thankfully return the utensils. This trend of borrowing and lending continued for a long time and people benefitted a lot from this human-non-human bonding. One fateful day, a lone woman borrowed the utensils and she returned it by not washing the charred utensils. Thenceforth, tradition of lending and borrowing came to end and we only have the fainting history now.

Gaylong Marpu is also believed to be devoted religious personality. One early morning, not many years ago, Ap. Pema Thinley of Narpaling, Ladrong, heard the recitation of Mani mantra from the cliff of Mangzee Brak. Ap. Pema Thinley, upon inquiry few years ago told that he doubted that his ears are playing the trick at first instant. However, upon repeated careful listening, he said, the recitation is clearly from the cliff.

Place surrounding the pool is calm and peaceful. I last visited the place couple of months ago. Few minutes of peaceful moment sitting on the rocks near the pool is rejuvenating and thrilling experience.