In a deeply significant spiritual journey, Padma Shri awardee the 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche made his maiden visit to Wumphu, located in the Thrizino subdivision of West Kameng district, on Sunday. The Rinpoche traced the 15th-century retreat of his predecessor, Lama Tanpai Dronmey. Accompanied by local officials, community leaders, and Thrizino Buddhist Society (TBS) President Ajay Sidasow, the Rinpoche offered sacred prayers at the historic site, describing it as a profoundly moving connection to his previous birth.
The retreat site holds immense religious and cultural importance for the region. Wumphu features Bumphu—a pair of massive, revered rocks symbolizing male and female forms that villagers believe offer protection from external harm. The surrounding area preserves a meditation cave, a throne-like rock structure, and historical impressions believed to be the fingerprints and footprints of the predecessor, known locally as Ajang Guru. Local residents have carefully preserved these sacred traces for centuries, noting that the Rinpoche’s arrival has powerfully revitalized the area’s spiritual significance.
Lama Tanpai Dronmey, who was ordained by the 2nd Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet, is credited with extensively disseminating the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism across Tawang, West Kameng, Bhutan, and the foothills of Assam. Highly revered across diverse communities under different names—such as Ajang Guru, Ajem Guru, and Ram Gohain—his legacy spans numerous historical sites before his eventual mahaparinirvana in Bhutan.
Looking to the future, Guru Tulku Rinpoche and the TBS leadership announced that coordinated efforts will be undertaken to upgrade infrastructure and improve accessibility to the remote site. These upcoming developments aim to transform the centuries-old retreat into a well-connected, prominent hub for pilgrims and spiritual tourists seeking to explore the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.
