On a hill and cliff overlooking Bondey
valley in Paro, (which resembles the head of snake) a small temple was believed
to have been built by famous Drukpa Lama called Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk. The
place was named Pelri. Roughly meaning harmonious and divine hill. Of the two
such hills in Paro Valley, (one in Shaba side) the lama chose to built Lhakhang
only on the hill where the Lhakhang stands today. (as Pelri Lhakhang of Bondey)
It is widely believed that the
temple was initially built to subdue the demon which roamed the valley in form
of snake. The demon not only brought multiple sufferings to the locality but
was also believed to have been a man eating ghost.
Later, the Gelug sect of Lam Khag
Nga (five different Buddhist sects who were widely acknowledged as the sects
who revolted against the Drukpa sect) established their seat. It was believed
that they built a nine storied mighty towering castle, where the present Lhakhang
stands.
It was also during that time, the
other Buddhist sect called Drukpa Kagyu spread across the land. The spread of
Drukpa sect spear headed by Zhabdrung instilled some sense of insecurity in
them. As a result, they planned a revolt, of which Zhabdrung knew in advance.
Before the revolt, the chief of
the Gelug sect called his versatile artist to paint his version of the Gelug
sect and the Drukpa sect. In a very customary-subordinate manner, to please his
boss, the painter painted a picture of his boss in a very colorful traditional
chipdrel ceremony, riding a horse. And in similar manner to show his support to
his boss and more to insult Zhabdrung, He painted a picture of Zhabdrung,
sitting under a tree, in a meditation posture with all the torn cloths.
The painter submitted his work to
his boss, which devastated him. In other words, his painting came as a prophecy
for his boss to leave the place immediately. The sitting posture of Zhabdrung
came as another prophecy that his legacy was there to flourish permanently.
Coincidently, Zhabdrung was
meditating in very close vicinity. The simple meditation was strong enough to
bring down the castle. With just ground floor remaining intact, the main relic
in the temple; -a statue, requested Zhabdrung to at least spare the ground
floor for him.
That is why today, we can only
see a one storied Lhakhang in Pelri.
