I am sorry it won’t be sensible unless you understand Khengkha. I have requested the caretaker do in Dzongkha, but he felt Khengkha would be the best way to convey. He gave us permission to record and share his messages.

Well here is some parts of oral account on Buli Tsho. Please believe or visit Buli Tsho.

Its believed Buli Tsho was once located in Zhongar present Mongar. Story tells that Zhongar had a cruel King protected by a mermaid of the Tsho. The King’s sheer cruelty did not please his subject. Dissatisfied with the king's behavior, the people destroyed the environment around the lake, forcing the mermaid to flee. My wife from Mongar endorses the story and beliefs. She complements that Buli Tsho ran or was moved from her village Takchu in Mongar.

The caretaker explains in a video how the mermaid came to Buli and sought refuge with one of the residents. She was given the central open room but took the altar room instead. The mermaid warned the grandma host not to open nor peek through the doors. The night set off well.

Next day, since she did not show any sign of getting out of the alter room. Curiosity got the better of three grandmas, who peeked and saw her upper half as a human covered in ornaments and her lower half as a snake in the water. Despite the host's defiance, the mermaid left few jewels and a milk churner as a token of gratitude. Some believe that if the host had complied with her request, the house would have been filled with treasures and more.

The caretaker also shares another story about how a local girl became a companion to the Buli Maenmo Tsho and received a dowry in return. Please watch and listen.

Archiving this short note for the record. In the annals of art history at Kheng Tsheldang, few sculptors have marked their presence through their mastery and creativity. One such master is Jinzo Wangdi, a prominent sculptor from Paro Hephug who sculpted statues of Tsheldang Lhakhang. His exceptional craftsmanship and deep spiritual connection are evident in the breathtaking statues he created for Kunzang Shedrup Choling Retreat Centre and Tsheldang Lhakhang.

Jinzo Wangdi began with a vision to immortalize the spiritual figures revered by the Tsheldang community through his artistry. For 4.5 months, from April 19th 2022 to September 6th 2022, he poured his heart and soul into sculpting three magnificent statues, each embodying the divine essence of their subjects.

The most prominent creation was a 6-foot-tall statue of Buddha. Jinzo Wangdi meticulously carved every detail, capturing the serenity and enlightenment associated with it. This awe-inspiring masterpiece was an emblem of peace, compassion, and wisdom. The statue commanded a price of Nu:150,000, a testament to its exceptional artistry and spiritual significance. The sculpting of this was sponsored by the village Lama Tsampa Tashi Geleg. He did offer the Dzung as well.

Additionally, Jinzo Wangdi crafted two statues of equal brilliance, measuring 5 feet in height. The first Guru Rinpoche, the revered patron saint of Bhutan, was known for his contributions to the spread of Buddhism. The second Terton Pema Lingpa is a revered treasure revealer in Bhutanese religious history and the tradition Tsheldang is accustomed to. Both figures were intricately sculpted, capturing the essence of their divine personalities. Together, these statues were sculpted for the price of Nu:330,000. The two statues were funded by Apa Tshewang, one of the senior citizens of the village. Khenpo Rinzin Wangchuk offered the Dzung of these two statues.

The painting of the statues is contracted to Kinga Wangchuk, a local resident as I write this post. The painting was funded by villagers living away from home. This phrase updated on 25th June 2023.

Today, the statues crafted by Jinzo Wangdi stand as testaments to his exceptional talent, serving as focal points for spiritual guidance. His legacy as a master sculptor endures, leaving an indelible mark for the generations that comes and appreciate.

A man, adorned in red ropes with curly black hair and a Muslim beard, did not seem particularly enthusiastic in expressing gratitude for our visit to the site. He mentioned that he was once a teacher but is now a man seeking solitude. Having spent the last six months at Bjela, he plans to move to Puna Talo next. Without consulting Google about the temple, I share the words of wisdom conveyed by him during our group discussion on the Birth Anniversary of Guru. His oral narration was resounding.

The inception of Bjela traces back to the 15th century when Divine Madman's brother, Ngawang Chogyel, started a small temple. Despite the absence of concrete evidence regarding its size, we were informed about its modest scale through theoretical understanding and the orientation of small Nangteens (original statues) within the temple. The original Nangteens, visible in antique forms, include Tempa (Buddha), Tsepamey (Long Life), Guru, Choten, and Ngawang Chogyel.

Before the era of the British East India Company, Bhutan's connections were primarily to the north, encompassing trade and religious associations. Bjela is intricately associated with Lama Zhabdrung, whose feet many summit.

But how did Bjela get its name? According to the lama, during Zhabdrung's retreat at Nangsa Lhakhang (near the present-day Paro Town, close to the vegetable market), guards overheard news of an impending Tibetan war. Concerned for Zhabdrung's safety, they recommended an immediate move to Thimphu. During the journey, the entourage halted for a night at Bjela. It was here that the protecting deity of Bhutan, Pal Yeshey Gonpo, appeared to Zhabdrung, assuring him of victory. Zhabdrung praised the site, considering it sacred. Even if one doesn't have an audience with their Choesung in this lifetime, visiting the site, praying, and seeking homage is believed to build merits for the next life.

Significant development and restoration occurred in the 60th Je Khenpo Sherab Singye's time, transforming the temple into its present grandeur. Unique features include a Buddha Statue with Sherab Lha Phakpa Jampelyang (Wisdom) and Nying Ji Lha Chengrigzee, replacing Sangay’s Khor Sharipo and Morepo. Taba Zhabdrung’s project statue also occupies a beautiful throne.

The temple's paintings, done on flattened mud walls and restored on cloth pieces, include depictions of Phakpai Neyten Chudru, Tempa-37 Jangchup Tungsa, Tsepamay Tsophu Nga, Nyewai Tsechi Gyee, and Four Direction Kings. Ngawang Chogyel, Genyeen, Chana Dorji, Guru, Zhabdrung, and the Yidam are intricately mounted. Choedhu Chorten on the left and Namgay Chorten on the right enhance the beauty inside.

The Bjela deity, symbolically named Drel-lha, aids communication among travelers and mediates between people or regions. Despite its physical wrathful appearance, Drel-Lha is believed to be the Speech (Sung) reincarnate of Sangay Kuento Zangpo.

Observations during our visit revealed a lack of care for the environment, with plastic bottles and wrappers scattered around. Trees were marked, and rubber bands were tied to leaves for trekking guidance. Rain damaged the uphill road, making it impassable for anything other than 4WD. A single waste bin was found along the route.

Solutions:

Visitors are encouraged to take responsibility for their waste, and efforts should be made to collect plastic waste. Agencies promoting Drukpath Trek and RIGGS Phuntsholing are urged to install waste bins. Trekkers should not accept plastic markings on tree trunks for route guidance but should request environmentally friendly alternatives like chalk dust, sawdust, colored flour, or degradable papers. Pilgrims are advised to bring offerings like rice or cooking oil for the Lamas.

How to get to Bjela Dzong:

The smooth road ends at Paro, Ta Dzong, where an uphill farm road diversion leads to the basecamp. Follow the wider road on the left until reaching the basecamp. Construction is ongoing at the basecamp, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the pouring season. The distance from the base to Bjela measures exactly 5.9 kilometers one way. Alternatively, there is a farm road access to Bjela from the Tselung Nye road, shortening the travel distance from the Thimphu side. The altitude is 3614 meters

Archiving this short note for the record. In the annals of art history at Kheng Tsheldang, few sculptors have marked their presence through their mastery and creativity. One such master is Jinzo Wangdi, a prominent sculptor from Paro Hephug who sculpted statues of Tsheldang Lhakhang. His exceptional craftsmanship and deep spiritual connection are evident in the breathtaking statues he created for Kunzang Shedrup Choling Retreat Centre and Tsheldang Lhakhang.

Jinzo Wangdi began with a vision to immortalize the spiritual figures revered by the Tsheldang community through his artistry. For 4.5 months, from April 19th 2022 to September 6th 2022, he poured his heart and soul into sculpting three magnificent statues, each embodying the divine essence of their subjects.

The most prominent creation was a 6-foot-tall statue of Buddha. Jinzo Wangdi meticulously carved every detail, capturing the serenity and enlightenment associated with it. This awe-inspiring masterpiece was an emblem of peace, compassion, and wisdom. The statue commanded a price of Nu:150,000, a testament to its exceptional artistry and spiritual significance. The sculpting of this was sponsored by the village Lama Tsampa Tashi Geleg. He did offer the Dzung as well.

Additionally, Jinzo Wangdi crafted two statues of equal brilliance, measuring 5 feet in height. The first Guru Rinpoche, the revered patron saint of Bhutan, was known for his contributions to the spread of Buddhism. The second Terton Pema Lingpa is a revered treasure revealer in Bhutanese religious history and the tradition Tsheldang is accustomed to. Both figures were intricately sculpted, capturing the essence of their divine personalities. Together, these statues were sculpted for the price of Nu:330,000. The two statues were funded by Apa Tshewang, one of the senior citizens of the village. Khenpo Rinzin Wangchuk offered the Dzung of these two statues.

The painting of the statues is contracted to Kinga Wangchuk, a local resident as I write this post. The painting was funded by villagers living away from home. This phrase updated on 25th June 2023.

Today, the statues crafted by Jinzo Wangdi stand as testaments to his exceptional talent, serving as focal points for spiritual guidance. His legacy as a master sculptor endures, leaving an indelible mark for the generations that comes and appreciate.