BUDDHA TEMPLE

Introduction

The Buddha temple (Gompa) is supposed to have come into existence during the eighth century when Padmasambhava Buddha the second and the originator of Lamaism or the Tantrik cult of Buddhism (Vajrayan) emanated. It is believed that Padmasambhava selected Mandi for his spiritual exercise.

He came miraculously to this kingdom, particularly to visit the king's renowned daughter Mandharva, to preach her the teachings of Buddhism. She was a religious woman. But the heretic king burnt him alive, on the spot where the present lake, Rewalsar, is existing.

Padmasambhava changed the flame and converted it into water and outcame a lake, and Padmasambhava sat upon a Lotus stalk in the midst of the lake. The king then conceded his ignorance and paid homage to Padmasambhava. The King's daughter Mandharva, who had been put in a deep trench full of thorns, was taken out and allowed to follow the Preacher's teachings.

Author - P.C. Roy Choudhoury

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