Lho Khandro Sang Phug (The Secret Cave of the Dakini)
Out of the numerous sacred caves blessed and sanctified by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in our Denjong / Sikkim during the 8th century AD, four are considered particularly significant and hallowed as these surround Tashiding – the spiritual centre and heart of Denjong, in the four cardinal directions. Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in these caves.
“Lho Khandro Sang Phug” or “The Secret Cave of the Dakini” / “Womb of the Dakini in the South” lies to the south of Tashiding at a location (Sanganath) five kilometres south of Legship along the river Rangit. The cave, which is easily accessible, is famous as “the cave of occult fairies”. It is believed that at this place – all wishes for long life, virtues and knowledge are fulfilled. The height of the cave varies from two to twenty feet and it extends inwards for about eleven metres. At the end of the cave is the place where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. On the roof above, is a deep imprint created by the Guru’s hat when he had sat there in meditation. Above the entrance is a rock which is believed to be the body of a nun transformed into stone by the Guru. It is believed that she was liberated by the Guru in this manner to inspire future generations who would see the rock. The entrance to the cave is via a low tunnel, about ten metres in length. Inside the cave are numerous imprints left behind by the Guru including the “Lotus Hat that liberates upon seeing” and the “Pandita Hat”. Next to the cave, on the left, is a path which leads to a hole. It is said that if one is able to pass through the hole, all one’s negativities would be eradicated. It is also believed that from this cave there are underground passages leading to Sharchog Bey Phug.
A few metres downstream from the sacred cave, on the river bank, are rocks with impressions of two foot-prints of fairies and also of a demoness that the Guru had subdued there. The demoness had been causing obstruction in the Guru’s meditation. In front of the cave, in the river, are hot-springs known as “Phur-tsha-chu” that have both medicinal and spiritual significance. In front of the cave is a Lhakhang and a Chhoedten.
