WANGDUE BRIDGE | The Territorial Mermaid

 

Infrastructures such as Dzongs and bridges weren’t built that easily in the past. It took men and the forces of tutelary deities, spirits, devils, nagas and mermaids to build critical structures required for humans. For example, the role of Drolü Gyalp aka Ap Khacheb was crucial in supplying logs to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal during the construction of Punakha Dzong sometime between 1637-38. Samey monastery in Tibet was said to have been built in the night by tamed spirits. 

While some divine forces played their roles in support of humans, other evil forces stood obstructive and territorial. As the mermaid of Lambjami-tsho intercepted the wood supplies of Ap Khacheb sent through Phochhu to Zhabdrung for Punakha Dzong, the mermaid of Wangdue Phodrang obstructed the construction of Wangdue bridge critical to east-west connection. 

Many sacrifices had to be made to finally subjugate her. The popular Dolungpai Raksha dance was said to have been performed in Wangdue Dzong solely to entertain her so that during her absence, men could rush down to complete the bridge compartments. It is also believed that the central stupa (Mithrupai Lhakhang) cum compartment (as we see now) hosts a body of a fifteen year old nun, who was said to have sacrificed her life to ensure durability of the bridge. Being an ordained nun, some say, we could still hear her voice recite prayers during auspicious days. 

Mithrupai Lhakhang

With the lead Dolungpai Raksha mask dancers.

Note: Information based on oral transmission only.