BUDDHA TEMPLE

The Lamas have built a beautiful Gompa or a Buddhist temple on the spot. There is a huge idol of Padmasambhava as the presiding deity. The image is flanked by the idols of Tara Devi and Lord Buddha. A number of wheels (wooden or metallic) have been fixed all round the temple with the Buddhist Mantrams carved in Tibetan script.

During the month of 'Phagun,' on a particular day, which is supposed to be the birthday of Padmasambhava, a fair is held at Rewalsar. A considerable number of Tibetans, Lahaulis and Kinnauris turn up on that day to pay homage to him regarded as the incarnation of Lord Buddha.

On this auspicious day, a special dance is arranged in which fifteen to twenty men participate and it continues for two to three hours. This dance is called 'Chhambh' dance. An image of the second Buddha is also taken round in a chariot. The long pole fixed in the compound of the shrine is replaced after covering it with cloth having five colors, amidst the chanting of Buddhist prayers. The colors used are blue, yellow, red or pink, white and green.

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