PELDEN LHAMO, BHUTAN’S PRINCIPAL PROTECTOR IS A “FEMALE”

As Thimphu Lhamoi Dromchoe concluded virtually yesterday, in a new normal way; it reminded us of the significance of the very dance performed to appease the top female guardian deity of Bhutan, Pelden Lhamo (Sanskrit: Shri Devi or Mahakali). Instituted by Je Kuenga Gyeltshen, the first incarnate of Sey Jampel Dorji between 1705 and 1709, this dance is of utmost importance to Bhutan and the Bhutanese. 

What interests me more is the feminine gender attached to the national pride name ‘Pelden Drukpa’. I’m assuming that the word ‘Pelden’ could have been derived from Pelden Lhamo’s name. In fact, the Zhabdrung himself was also referred to as ‘Pel Drukpa Rinpoche’. Either way, the lexis ‘Pel’ is key and by revering Pelden Lhamo, we are also revering the very founder of Bhutan ‘Zhabdrung Rinpoche’. 

The said deity had unfailingly served the Zhabdrung especially in his fight against series of Tibeto-Mongoloid invasions alongside ‘Yeshey Gompo’ yet another important tutelary deity Bhutanese should never forget to worship. The duo had tactfully eliminated the Tsang Desi who had been constantly troubling Bhutan’s unification and sovereignty then. Some orientalists claim that Pelden Lhamo emanated into a beautiful lady and tamed the otherwise invincible Tsang Desi while Yeshey Gompo (Sanskrit: Mahakala) turned into a garuda (eagle) and stole away the Desi’s soul (heart) — the only strategy that worked against the aggressor. It is said that the pair ferociously presented the Zhabdrung with freshly stolen palpitating heart of Tsang Desi. 

In true essence, the both deities are enlightened beings living to protect the Dharma.