 |
| Lugi Raw Temple |
Have you heard of Lugi Raw? Many haven't. If you are one of them you are on the right platform. This is for you.
3200 meters above the sea level, secluded among the towering mountains that feed Tshachuphu river, surrounded by fragrant cypress, juniper and pine trees, the temple of Lugi Raw (Rawa) is mystically yet snugly tucked at the heart of perilous cliff. Once you are at the temple clouds scudding overhead and the eerie silence of the surrounding perfectly blends with mysterious existence of temple. The old and rugged structure looks straight from the mythical era of 10th century. Very little is known about this temple. That is no wonder since the temple was established sometime between 10th and 11th century by some renowned Buddhist master.
 |
Ngog Chöku Dorje
(C@Mar Ngog.Org) |
The huge rocky cliff on which temple sits is believed to be meditation cave of Guru Rimpoche. The founder of the temple, however, is attributed to Lama Ngog Chöku Dorje (AKA Ngog Ten Choe Dor) (1036-1097) who is one the four main disciples of Lotshawa Marpa Chokyi Lodro. Nonetheless, the claim and date of founding the temple could not be confirmed. Confirmation is not necessary however because, some things are better kept mystery. This way our instinct to seek never dies.
 |
| View inside cave |
The temple has two shrines that house the statues of Lord Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Amitayus as main relic. Behind the temple, there is a huge and deep meditation cave with holy water dripping down the creeks and crevasses of rock. Few steps above the entrance of the cave and temple's door is imprint of sheep’s horn (on cliff) after which the temple has been named. To add to the mystery of temple and its name, rhododendron tree crooked like the shape of sheep horn grows next to the imprint of horn. The story of imprint of sheep’s horn is legendary as it is believed to be significantly related to a prominent mediator who meditated at the cave many centuries ago. This legend too is shredded in mystery without clarity. Some oral source name Tibetan master Wangchuk Lodray AKA Kharak Gomchung (དགེ་བཤེས་ཁ་རག་སྒོམ་ཆུང) (10-11th century), an early Kadampa master, as one of the prominent meditators at Lugi Raw. Holy water (a stream) flows few meters away from the temple.
Apart from meditators and seekers, temple is perfect and safe haven for mysterious gods, demigods, and demons. It is never meant for weak hearted and unaccomplished humans due to its remoteness and eerie nature of environment. The temple is in the safe hands of ferocious Palden Lhamo who safeguard the sanctity, myths and legends of temple.
 |
| View of Lusibi and Dhur Village |
The temple is roughly 2-3 hours (depending on how fast you walk) hike away from road point which ends at Lusibi, Dhur. Dhur under Chorkhor Gewog, for kind information is around 14 KMs away from Chamkhar town. From Lugi Raw one gets panoramic view of Dhur village and adjacent towering snowclad mountains dotted with pasture lands and green grassy meadows. After visiting Lugi Rawa one can visit nearby holy site such as Dhur Lhakang perchehd at the top of hill and at the heart of beautiful Dhur.
Note: Complied based on local and oral sources.
Comments
Post a Comment
We welcome your comments