Zhabjeythang Lhakhang, a sacred gem in the heart of Bumthang, Bhutan, resonates with a rich tapestry of spiritual history dating back to the 8th century. Legend has it that Padmasambhawa, revered as Guru Rinpoche, chose this serene enclave for meditation, imprinting the rocks with relics that became revered imprints. This earned the location the fitting name, “The plain of the Footprint.”
The temple houses a cherished statue of Guru Rinpoche, the central treasure drawing pilgrims and seekers seeking spiritual solace. Venture to the lower floor, and within a small chamber, one encounters a rock adorned with the footprints of Guru Rinpoche and Menmo Tashi Kheudroen, the daughter of King Sindu Raja of Bumthang, whose life Guru Rinpoche is said to have saved.
Ascending above the temple, a throne (Zhug Thri) stands as a symbolic pinnacle of spiritual authority. A nearby tree, believed to be Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick, adds an aura of mystique to the temple grounds. Furthermore, a masterpiece in the form of a 12th-century Tibetan saint, Milerepa, is displayed on the temple walls, a testament to the artistic legacy of the late 19th century.
Zhabjeythang Lhakhang isn’t just a physical structure; it embodies Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual identity. As pilgrims tread the sacred grounds, they step into a realm where history, legend, and reverence converge, inviting all to partake in the timeless journey of spiritual discovery.
