KHANDRO MENDARAWA'S BETEL LEAVES

Upon the invitation of the ailing king, Sindhu Raja aka Chakhar Gyelpo, Guru Rinpoche travelled to Bhutan and passed the present day Athang before heading to Bumthang. Guru was accompanied by Lhacham Mendarawa, his consort. Wary of the cold as the duo ascended higher, Guru had to leave Mendarawa behind at Morakha, Athang, only to gradually adapt to changing altitude and climate. However, Guru set ahead and meditated at Shar Gogona. There, a folk came by and asked Guru if he had come alone. Guru responded that he was accompanied by Mendarawa and she was left behind at Mora-kha for a few days. 'Mora' refers to Mendarawa and 'kha' to a 'place' or 'hamlet' according to a source. 

At Morakha, Khandro passed her boredom by meditating, and sometimes weaving and planting betel leaf. As you can see in the picture below, the betel leaves still grow abound from the sapling she planted back in the 8th century and people receive blessings from chewing them. According to an oral information, it was Khandro Mendarawa who first designed and wove the popular Adha Mathra, Adha Rachu and Adha Khamar. Oral sources say, Athang got its name from those textiles. 

A drubchhu (holy-water) from an opening of a rock belonging to Mendarawa can also be seen fifteen minutes walk above the Lhakhang.

Blessed by Ugyen Rinpoche and Mendarawa, it was the 2nd reincarnation of Pemalingpa, Gyalwa Tenzin Drakpa (1536-1597) who built Morakha Lhakhang. However, I couldn't ascertain the exact year of construction. 

Other wonders in Athang include: First, the inbound beautiful lake encircled by lush forests. Second, the tiny chador statue which flew from Mebar Tsho. Third, two beautiful streams confluence at the end of Lophokha village adjacent to the lake. And fourth, Athang brings to you the legendary love story of Adha Tenzin Pem and Gangtey Nyerpi Penjor. 

Sources: Khenpo Choying Norbu of Morakha Lhakhang and former Drangpoen Chador.

Pictures: From yesterday's trip to Athang.