A DIGLAM, Thakpang

Location

A dark and sacred cave known as »a« (STEIN, R A 1988: 14 after Madam Blondeau) is characterised by a degree of darkness that requires illumination (note 1). It is not only said to be an estimated 30 m long but also reputed to contain a sin-testing squeeze, »sDig lam« (Tibetan, pronounced diglam) or "dwar" (note 2). SITUATION: »Madam Blondeau« (in: STEIN 1988: 14) placed this item »called "a"« at an unspecified distance »to the north of Kurtö (skur stod)« (note 3) and »to the east of Bhumthang [note 4] near Thakpang [note 5] on the Tibetan border … there is a large rock or hillock. A pilgrimage track with a dozen spirals runs up. … at the bottom of the rock there is a dark cave …« CAVE DESCRIPTION: It was »Madam Blondeau« who told Rolf A. STEIN (1988: 14) about »a dark cave some 30 metres long. To penetrate a source of light is necessary.« Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 02/02/2016

NOTE 1: »For the hint I am indebted to Madam Blondeau« (STEIN, R A 1988: 14). NOTE 2: Import keyword dwar from glossary. NOTE 3: »Kurtö (skur stod)« (STEIN 1988: 14) is indicated as »Kurtoe« on the India Road Atlas (Eicher Goodearth 2006: 28 B2) above the banks of the river »Kuru Chhu« in the »Lhuntse« dzongkhag (district). The monastery »Lhuntsi Dzong« is indicated near N27°39': E091°10' on AMS sheet NG46-01 Tongsa Dzong (U502 series, 1960 edition) and as »Luntshi Dzong« on the India Road Atlas (Eicher Goodearth 2006: 28 B2). NOTE 4: »Bhumthang« (STEIN 1988: 14) is the dzongkhag (district) indicated as »Bumthang« on the India Road Atlas (Eicher Goodearth 2006: 28 A2) above the banks of the Bumthang Chhu. NOTE 5: »Thakpang« (STEIN, R A 1988: 14) or Brag Pang (Rock at Pang) is not identified unless it has something to do with the settlement »Pang Kha« (N27°42': E091°12') or the pass »Pang La« (N27°44': E091°18') on AMS sheet NG46-01 Tongsa Dzong (U502 series, 1960 edition) but these two are both some 30 km or 40 km in a direct line from the Tibetan border. Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 02/02/2016