It’s in the beginning of January, 2019
where journey started early in the morning through thick and thin forest
perceiving the cold harsh air of Bumthang valley towards the footfills at
Gelephu via Zhemgang route in one of the Bolero. The journey was long and
tiring one and it was almost dark when we reached Gelephu so driver dropped us directly
to the host family.
My first visit to Gelephu was in 2016
which is of short duration so I couldn’t explore the places. This time though I
am visiting Gelephu for the second time, it’s really difficult to track the locations
as one could notice expansion in the town area and there were lots of people
gathered at Gelephu to receive blessings from H.E. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and
one could spot tents pitched in open areas. In winter, usually those people residing
at higher altitudes escapes harsh winter by visiting warm places where some
people visit Bodhgaya and spent many days there and enjoy the warmth of the
south.
During my stay at Gelephu, I have been
assisting my mom while we were receiving blessings from Rinpoche which took
around a month. Every morning we used to visit Chorten at Pemaithang and spare
some time to recite prayers and we do the same in the evening. During lunch
break we do visit shops and buy necessity items from the town as it’s located
next to Wangkhang.
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| Chorten at Pemaithang |
In addition, we grasp the opportunity to
visit historical sites and explore the new places of Sarpang. One of the
remarkable moments was visit to Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang located on the way to
Dzong accompanied by old friend of mine and offer butter lamps. I was amazed by
the unique architecture design of the lhakhang and the interesting story behind
Kanjur.
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| Sarpang Zangdo pelri |
One of the days, we planned to visit
Serzhong lhakhang with pot lunch. The lhakhang was located on the slope that
serves as a view point over many places. We made offerings and recite prayers.
Then we started Chorten kora (Eight stupas) by reciting some prayers. There were
eight types of stupas relates to the important events in the life of Buddha
Shakyamuni. For the first time in life I am able to understand the significance
of the stupas.
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| Serzhong Chorten |
Besides, we walked and visited Nimalung,
Tharpaling and Tali lhakhang located in and around the town and even made
effort to visit Phurbai Lhakhang located next to Pemaithang. Furthermore we
visited Hindu temple (mandir) located near GMSS and was amazed to hear
beautiful story of groups of elephants during the construction of the temple
and significance of the statues as well. The temple is well maintained
surrounded by bountiful blooming flowers and evergreen plants.
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| Tali Lhakhang |
One fine day, we attempt to visit quite
far temple. Through guidance from the people settled nearby we could reach to
our destination at Pedma Lhundrup Chhoekhorling where its view point to watch
the beautiful sunset of the south and the monastery is well known for
Astrological studies.
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| View Point |
In addition, we visited Sapang
Padtselling Thubten Shedrupling Dratshang where we got opportunity to see and
touch holy relics (Nangten) and we were blessed.
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| Holy relics |
Gelephu Tshachu, hot spring site was the
most popular in Gelephu where many people within the country do visit the
Tshachu during winter when they are kind of free from their farm works and it’s
the right time to visit in winter when climate is cool.
Those winter days at Gelephu were
exploring and enjoyable at the same time and the weather is cool as well and I
will definitely miss my long vacation here.
