It is said that in the 15th century, Lama Drukpa Kuenley—the revered “Divine Madman”—shot an arrow from Tibet that traveled approximately 169 kilometers and landed in Toep Chandhana, in Western Bhutan. With nothing more than a simple bow, he performed this miraculous act as part of his spiritual mission to find his destined partner, subdue demons, and spread the teachings of Buddhism.
Today, the sacred relics connected to this legend remain: a wooden ladder where the arrow is said to have landed and the house where Lama Drukpa Kuenley resided for several years. Sadly, these important historical and spiritual sites receive few visitors.
Above the house sits a serene monastery, where statues of the Three Buddhas—representing the Past, Present, and Future—stand in peaceful reverence. To the right of the Future Buddha rests a statue of Lama Drukpa Kuenley himself.
The monastery walls are adorned with vibrant depictions of the saint’s travels across Bhutan, each mural telling a part of his fascinating story. In one corner, there’s a stone carving believed to have been used by Lama Drukpa Kuenley as a game board during his time there.
Just a short distance above the monastery, one can also visit Lama Drukpa Kuenley’s Drupchu (sacred spring), which adds to the spiritual aura of the area.
The environment is tranquil and deeply spiritual. As I stood amidst the stillness, I felt a profound sense of joy and peace—no doubt influenced by the powerful legacy of the great saint who once walked these lands.
This site holds immense historical, cultural, and spiritual value. I sincerely hope tour operators will consider incorporating Toep Chandhana into their itineraries. Doing so would not only aid in preserving and developing the site but would also offer visitors an opportunity to receive blessings from one of Bhutan’s most beloved spiritual figures.
The Arrow That Marked a Destiny: Lama Drukpa Kuenley’s Journey to Toeb Chandhana
In the stillness of night, while staying at the home of Lady Semzangmo in Nangkatse, Yamdrok province of Tibet, Lama Drukpa Kuenley had a vivid dream. A mysterious woman—whom he recognized as a smoky goddess—appeared and urged him to shoot an arrow toward the southern lands.
The next morning, guided by his vision, the Lama strung his bow and released an arrow into the Bhutanese sky. That single arrow soared across mountains and valleys, eventually landing on a ladder at the home of Toeb Tshewang in Chandanang, Bhutan. Startled by what they thought was an earthquake, the family rushed outside, only to find the arrow quivering on the wooden steps. Recognizing the event as a divine sign, Tshewang’s wife, Palzang Buthrimo—believed to bear the qualities of a dakini—wrapped the arrow in silk and placed it on their altar. From that moment on, their home came to be known as Toeb Chandhana, meaning "Landing of the Arrow."
A House Blessed by the Divine Madman
Remarkably, the house still stands today—its ninth-generation descendant, from the union of Lama Drukpa Kuenley and Palzang Buthrimo, serves as its current caretaker. While a few structural modifications have been made to preserve the sacred ladder, the home remains largely as it was during the Lama’s time. Visitors can feel the weight of history within its walls.
The arrow’s landing marked more than just a miraculous feat—it heralded Lama Drukpa Kuenley’s arrival in Bhutan and the beginning of his mission to spread the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Buddhism.
A Mystical Encounter
When Lama Drukpa Kuenley arrived at Toeb Tshewang’s house to retrieve his arrow, he was captivated by Palzang Buthrimo’s beauty and spiritual aura. With poetic boldness, he declared:
"The arrow has certainly not gone astray, for it has led me to this voluptuous goddess. Tshewang, my host, kindly step aside—I must unite with this lady without delay."
Incensed, Tshewang drew his sword, only for the Lama to catch it in his right hand and bend it effortlessly, while holding Palzang Buthrimo close with his left. Awed by this display of mystical power, Tshewang surrendered both his wife and his home to the Divine Madman.
The union bore a son, Dungsey Ngawang Tenzin, who would later offer his father's sacred relics—including the arrow, the sword, and a stone bearing the Lama’s fingerprint—as the core nangten (relics) of a statue in Tango Monastery, Thimphu. Ngawang Tenzin became a monk at Ralung Monastery in Tibet and went on to found Tango Monastery himself.
This lineage continued through his son, Tshewang Tenzin, whose own son, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, became the Fourth Druk Desi—one of the most influential secular and spiritual leaders in Bhutanese history, and a key propagator of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition.
Art, Legacy, and a Silent Temple
During his time in Chandanang, Lama Drukpa Kuenley sculpted a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and one of himself. He also painted murals depicting the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and the Thirty-Five Buddhas of Confession (Tungshak) in a small temple built just above Tshewang’s house.
Despite its sacred history and spiritual importance, this temple sees few visitors today. Overshadowed by the more frequented Chimi Lhakhang, the site quietly preserves some of the most intimate connections to Lama Drukpa Kuenley’s time in Bhutan.
An Invitation to Seek the Blessing
Toeb Chandhana is not just a historical landmark—it is a living testament to the power of vision, faith, and transformation. Every stone, relic, and mural speaks of a time when saints walked the land and miracles unfolded naturally.
Sadly, many travelers remain unaware of this deeply spiritual site. Including it in tour itineraries could help preserve its legacy while allowing visitors to connect with one of Bhutan’s most colorful and beloved saints.
If you’re seeking an experience beyond the typical travel route—a place where history, myth, and spirituality merge—Toeb Chandhana awaits. What I’ve shared here is only a glimpse. Go, explore, and let the Divine Madman’s arrow guide you.
Happy travels.
