Lake is a holy place preserved and should not be harmed. About the time of its origin is still
not known by the people, the sacredness of the space is perceptible in the culture and beliefs of people. The areas around the lake are protected and there are strict rules set up by the local committee to ensure it. In most cases, the water from such a spring is used only for drinking. Community believes that this place brings happiness and luck to the society so they ensure that there is no harm to the place. In this project there is information about the origin of the lake, the place it is located and the reason behind the lake's puja and the belief of people towards this puja. While doing this puja the things that are required in doing this puja, the god/ goddess who is preached during puja, and the fact that in the past the animals had to be slaughtered but now it has been stopped and the consequences of not doing this puja is also included in this puja.
History
Tsholing Khar is a sacred lake situated in Bhutan, known for its spiritual significance and serene beauty. This lake is considered one of the most revered holy sites in the country and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Lake existed a long time back from the time of our ancestors. It is the holy place where all gods and deities live, including Devi-Mata.
According to local legends, Tsholing Khar was formed when a fierce demon named DochuLa wanted to destroy the nearby village. The villagers then sought help from Guru Rinpoche, who subdued the demon by turning him into a stone. The lake was then formed from the tears of the demon's wife, who wept at the sight of her husband's transformation.
The lake is surrounded by dense forests and soaring mountains, and its crystal clear waters are believed to have healing properties. It is also a popular site for meditation and contemplation, with many visitors coming to the lake to seek spiritual enlightenment.
One of the most unique features of Tsholing Khar is the tradition of worship that is practiced here. Visitors to the lake are encouraged to perform a simple ritual that involves tossing a stone into the water while making a wish. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the person performing the ritual.
The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including fish and birds, and is an important ecosystem for the local flora and fauna. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and refrain from littering or disturbing the wildlife.
In addition to its spiritual significance, Tsholing Khar is also an important cultural landmark in Bhutan. Many festivals and ceremonies are held at the lake, including the annual Tsholing Khar Tshechu, which celebrates the lake's role in the country's history and culture.
Ancestors used to seek help from god and deities by praying at the lake for the protection of
their properties and for themselves. In this way people came to existence and people started
doing puja at the lake once a year. Since there is no destruction to the village like before.
Sacred areas are conserved by communities for spirituals or cultural beliefs. These traditional
rules can serve a conservation role. Lake is shrouded in rituals and myths but serves as an
important institution to preserve it. While religious sentiments sometimes get in the way,
developments around them continue. How it was unknown but even today, the sacredness of the space is perceptible in the culture and beliefs of the people. People practice this system to preserve it and to lead a happy life. World is full of god's and deities. Human beings seek help from gods and deities to protect themselves, people from Nepal, India and Bhutan follow this culture. They value this system and protect it.
Different countries have different ways of practicing and following the culture but the god is the same. People have organized annual rimdo/puja during February months. The areas around the lake are protected and there are strict rules set up by the local committee to ensure this. In most cases, people are not allowed to make dirty in and around the surrounding (lake) and no toilets are constructed and even grazing in the areas around the surrounding area are prohibited since it will lead to contamination. People believe that all gods and deities stay at the lake. Lake covers around one acre or land. It is pure and natural.
Earlier during the time of their great grandfather they performed puja without slaughtering animals. It has continued till now. They do puja in a simple way. They offer flowers, rice and some junk food. After puja gets over villagers, they start receiving blessings from god. All of them pray to the god. They consider Devi- Mata as supreme of all gods and deities. Ordinary people or the villagers can't recognize the lake or place where they do puja. When some evidence occurs at the village they seek help from Holy people like lama and paw. These people show them where the lake is and instruct villagers not to harm that place. If the place gets dirty or if it is harmed by people or cattle then the whole society has to suffer the cause. Different types of diseases start flourishing in the village, and people start falling sick. Their crops and animals will also be harmed.
The yield of the product starts falling down due to this village suffering from different kinds of causes. In the 21st century people from Nepal, India and Bhutan practice this culture and preserve the place avoiding harmful acts in and around the area (lake). Whole societies are benefited by the lake. When people are awarded with happiness due to their small act of contributions to the lake then they believe in it. It is a superstitious belief but has a deep meaning with all true facts.
Overall, Tsholing Khar is a unique and important destination for anyone interested in Bhutanese culture and spirituality. Its serene beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural importance make it a must-visit location for anyone traveling to Bhutan. So, if you're looking to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural traditions of Bhutan, be sure to add Tsholing Khar to your itinerary.
In Bhutan Lake is a holy place where Bhutanese preserved and should not be harmed. Lake
areas are conserved by communities for spirituals or cultural beliefs. Lake is shrouded in rituals and myths but serves as an important institution to preserve it. People practice this system to preserve it and to lead their happy life. It helps human beings to seek help and believe from God which will protect them from evil.