ZLUM rTSE PHUG

Location

NOTE 1: »Zlum-rste lha-khang« (LAUF 1972b: 90) or »Lumtse Lakhang« is neither shown on AMS sheet NG45-04 Phari Dzong (U502 series, 1963 edition) nor on the India Road Atlas (Eicher Goodearth 2006: 27 F3). NOTE 2: Paro is indicated as »Rinpung Dzong (Paro)« on the India Road Atlas (Eicher Goodearth 2006: 27 F3) and as »Paro Dzong« near N27°25': E089°25' on AMS sheet NG45-04 Phari Dzong (U502 series, 1963 edition). Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 09/02/2016

An unspecified, relatively small »cave« is said to exist (LAUF 1972b: 90) beneath an inconspicuous shrine of the Dakini Vajravarahi, which has been erected in the back of the monastery »Zlum-rste lha-khang« (note 1). IDENTITY: The Vajravarahi cave at the Lumtse Lakhang (zLum-rste Lka-khang) might be identical with –>Chumo Phug, sPa gro. SITUATION: North of Paro town (note 2) a bridge across the To Chhu, a tributary to Paro river (sPa gro Chhu), leads to the range of Tak Tsang (sTag-tshan), which rises from the plain at the confluence (chhu 'joms). On the first scarp stands the monastery. CULTURAL HISTORY - religious folklore: A nine headed turtle, which represents a mischievious and sickening demon, lives in this cave but is currently banned by magic (LAUF 1972b: 90). Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 09/02/2016