I had the profound privilege of visiting Thekchen Ugyendra Lhakhang, a sacred monastery nestled in Haebesa, above the Basochu Hydropower Plant in Wangduephodrang. This spiritually potent site was founded by the highly revered Lama Je Choki Gyatsho, a figure of deep realization and visionary strength.
According to his sacred biography, Lama Je Choki Gyatsho was divinely inspired to establish the monastery after a significant dream. In that vision, a bound volume of scriptures emerged from a cliffside. As he opened it, he discovered a sacred text titled “Rigdzin Thukyi Nyingpo” (The Heart Essence of the Vidyadhara). Upon awakening, he vividly remembered the text’s title page—an unmistakable sign of spiritual instruction.
In connection with this dream, Lama Je Choki Gyatsho painted large images of Guru Rinpoche (Rigzin Chenpo Padma Dragpo) and Buddha Shakyamuni on a gently convex cliff as part of the Sa’i-lam-zhug (earth-taming rite). During the consecration of the wrathful Guru Rinpoche image, extraordinary auspicious signs occurred—a blaze from the smoke offering and a fine rain descending from a cloudless sky, affirming the sanctity of the event.
Today, these sacred images are still visible on the massive rock face, drawing deep reverence from pilgrims. What makes this site even more miraculous is that the image of Guru Rinpoche, once believed to have vanished over time, has reappeared as a self-arisen image (rangjung). Simultaneously, the image of Buddha Shakyamuni is said to be slowly re-emerging—a truly awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Local belief holds that these images manifested naturally and were not visible before, a mystery that enhances the sanctity of the site. The monastery is also commonly referred to as Jhana Goenpa.
Adding to its spiritual richness, 30 consonants (Selchรฉ Sumchu) are believed to be marked on the cliff, and above the monastery lies a meditation cave attributed to Guru Rinpoche. Inside, one can see outlines of the 12 animal signs (Lo-Khor Chuni) etched on the cave ceiling.
A short walk—about five minutes to the right of the monastery—leads to Guru Rinpoche’s Drupkhang (meditation site). It is believed that he meditated here and ascended into the sky, forming a mystical sky path. A protruding stone resembling a Phurba (ritual dagger) marks the entrance, and blessed water (Dutsi) flows from the site, considered a powerful sign of auspicious energy.
The local guardian deity of this place is Aum Zhechen Wangmo. In recent years, the people of Haebesa have formally handed over the monastery’s responsibility to the Zhung Dratshang. I’m proud to share that my nephew currently serves as the resident Lam, appointed by the Zhung Dratshang. A major renovation is underway to preserve and enhance the spiritual essence of this sacred site.
I was honored to be accompanied on this pilgrimage by the Lam and my niece. It was not only a memorable day but also a deeply spiritual journey—my first visit to a holy site in over two years. I felt a profound sense of reconnection, as though my traveling Guru Rinpoche had guided me once again to a place of true spiritual resonance.
This sacred site is a must-visit for all who seek genuine blessings and a powerful spiritual experience.
