The Lotus Lake (Tsho Pema)

My dream of visiting Tsho Pema, or Lotus Lake, in Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh, India, finally came true after five attempts. The first try in 1997, during my journalism studies at the Indian Institute of Mass Communications, JNU Campus, New Delhi, was thwarted when an international peer redirected our pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

Despite subsequent visits to New Delhi, the plan to reach Tsho Pema remained unrealized until recently. Like many Bhutanese, it was my lifelong aspiration to explore the sacred sites graced by Guru Rinpoche, and thanks to my guide Memey Chenga, I learned of the lake’s historical significance in Buddhist practice, especially in Bhutan.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who introduced tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century, transformed a funeral pyre into the Lotus Lake. This miraculous event occurred when the Zahor Gyalp, attempting to burn Guru Rinpoche and Princess Mandarava alive, witnessed the pyre becoming the serene lake. Seated on a lotus blossom, Guru Rinpoche emerged unharmed, prompting the remorseful Zahor King to offer his entire kingdom in homage.

Guru Rinpoche later took Princess Mandarava as his consort, and they journeyed to Maratika Cave in Nepal, dedicating three months to the Sadhana of longevity. Legend has it that Amitayus Buddha of Limitless Life appeared, granting them longevity and blessing them inseparably from him.

Renowned as a tantric Buddhist Vajra Master, Guru Rinpoche is also known as Guru Padmasambhava, born from a lotus. The Lotus Lake remains a testament to this profound legend, drawing pilgrims seeking the spiritual resonance of this transformative tale.

For more details about Tsho Pema, please visit the following links:

http://en.namlingrigzod.com/2016/11/rewalsar-lake-tso-pema/

Rewalsar Lake – Known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake