Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake of Bhutan is the most sacred lake in Bhutan from where Pema Lingpa, an incarnated disciple of Guru Rinpoche and the greatest Tertön (treasure discoverer), discovered several terma of Guru Rimpoche in 1475.
Tang Mebar Tsho or the burning lake is truly a blessing to all sentient beings. Enlightened beings are reported to have seen the temple at the lake’s bottom from where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered treasures. People with fewer sins and spiritual minds are said to be able to see an astounding sight in the lake when staring down from a cliff overlooking the sacred lake.
How to Reach Bumthang Mebar Tsho
Tang Membartsho meaning the Burning Lake is located in a gorge in the southern part of the Tang Valley in Bumthang Dzongkhag. It is a 30-minute drive from Chamkhar town. The walk from the road to the lake takes around five minutes.
Also Read: How to reach Domendrel Tsho, a Spiritual Journey to Mandala Offerings of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye
Sacred Relics to See at Membartsho
- The Burning Lake;
- Portrait of Pema Lingpa and his two sons carved on the rock;
- An altar dedicated to Terton Pema Lingpa;
- An array of small conical clay mounds called tsatsas.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
How did Mebar Tsho get its name?
According to legend, Terton Pema Lingpa entered the lake with a burning butter lamp and magically reappeared with a chest and a scroll of parchment, the butter lamp still glowing. The lake was thus called Mebar Tsho, or “burning lake.”
The lake is considered important because Pema Lingpa, an incarnated disciple of Guru Rinpoche and the greatest Tertön (treasure discoverer), discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s terma (hidden treasures) from the lake.
Also Read: How did Drakey Pangtsho, the Treasure Lake of Guru Rinpoche on the Lap of Jowo Drake get its name?
Historical Significance of Mebar Tsho
Terton Pema Lingpa discovered Tang Membartsho in the 15th century. According to legend, Terton Pema Lingpa had a vision urging him to go to that particular spot in the Tang Chhu and discover the sacred treasures that Guru Rinpoche had hidden centuries earlier. However, the people of Tang and the local ruler were cynical of his claims and questioned the validity of his prediction.
To this, Pema Lingpa said:
“If I am a demon, I shall die! If I am not, and I am Guru Rinpoche’s actual spiritual son, this lamp will continue to burn, and I will recover hidden treasures!”
Saying these words, he drove into the lake holding a burning lamp. He resurfaced after a long period under the lake, holding a self-spoken Guru statue, a scroll of script, a ritual skull, and the butter lamp still glowing. However, the self-spoken Guru statue with a few holy relics like 108 daggers from Mebar Tsho has flown to Neychen Dongkola.
However, a different oral account claims that the name Mebar Tsho alludes to another treasure discoverer named Terton Sherab Mebar, who is supposed to have unearthed treasures from the lake before Terton Pema Lingpa. The former is widely accepted and known among the pilgrims.
Drung Drung Zhenda Gyeltshen, one of the descendants of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo also revealed two coins and a zee from Membartsho.
Also Read: The Historical Significance of Kabji-Hoka Tsho, a Lake with an Opening to Stop Overflowing
Description of Membartsho
Membartsho is a sacred pilgrimage destination with an altar dedicated to Terton Pema Lingpa and a holy lake encircled by beautiful multi-colored prayer flags and a religious aura. Pema Lingpa’s portrait with his two sons, is etched into a rock near the entrance.
Tsatsas or little conical clay mounds can be found in several locations surrounding the lake carved with a sacred Buddhist symbol and may include human ash or bone of the deceased.
The nuns of Pema Tekchok Choling Nunnery take care of the site.
Also Read: Zhemgang Kheng Buli Tsho, a Promised Lake of Buli Moenmo Kuntu Zangmo
Best Time to Visit Bumthang Mebar Tsho
Mebar Tsho of Bumthang is open to the public at all times of the year. Make a wish and offer a small floating lamp over the lake when you’re in the flaming lake.
Pilgrims are advised to be cautious while visiting the place. The place is also dangerous because it is slick and has a fast current. Since 2011, five individuals have drowned there, including a French tourist and his Bhutanese guide who drowned in 2015.
You can visit many major pilgrimage sites of Bumthang with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Tang Membartsho is important?
Tang Membartsho Lake is important because Pema Lingpa, an incarnated disciple of Guru Rimpoche and the greatest Terton discovered several hidden treasures (Terma) of Guru Rinpoche from the lake.
Who discovered Tang Membartsho?
Tang Membartsho, also known as Mebar Tsho, was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa, the greatest Terton in the 15th century.
Where is Tang Membartsho located?
Tang Membartsho, also known as Mebar Tsho, is located in a gorge in the southern part of the Tang Valley of Bumthang Dzongkhag in Central Bhutan.
Mebar Tsho treasures discovered by Pema Lingpa
The Mebar Tsho treasures discovered by Pema Lingpa include:
- Self-spoken Guru statue;
- Scroll of the script;
- Ritual skull.
What is the meaning of Mebar Tsho?
Mebar Tsho means the Burning Lake. The lake got its name from the legend of Terton Pema Lingpa. According to the legend, Pema Lingpa submerged himself into the lake with a burning lamp and emerged with the lamp still burning, along with a treasure chest and a scroll of paper. This miraculous event led to the lake being named Mebar Tsho, which means “the burning lake”.
What do people do to preserve the Tang Membartsho?
People take several measures to preserve the sanctity and safety of Tang Membartsho by maintaining the site, making religious offerings, and improving safety measures.
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