GURU RINPOCHE TRHUNGKAR TSHECHU
Gangtok:Every year in the midst of monsoon ,particularly on 10th day of lunar month,the golden rays of the morning sunshine falls upon Bayul Demoshong.The day is Guru Rinpoche's birth anniversary .Bayul demoshong or the hidden fruitful valley is spiritual name of Sikkim given by the Guru Padmasambhava.
Maha Guru Padmashamva popularly known as Guru Rinpoche is the Supreme Tantra Master and had exhibited mystic feats in subduing evil spirits and demons thereby reforming them to guard the religion and help the followers of the religion. Guru Rinpoche is profoundly venerated in Tibet for establishing Buddhism there and also in Sikkim for consecrating the hidden land as most sacred and holy. Guru Rinpoche’s Trhungkar Tshechu falls on the 10th day of the 6th lunar month and is considered the most auspicious Tshechu day. Because of the event every 10th day of lunar month is observed as Guru Tshechu, literally meaning 10th day observed with offerings and prayers to Guru Rinpoche.
On this day,as a mark of respect to the revered Guru,monks and devotees of the Sikkim escort the statue of Guru rinpoche from Chorten gompa up to the Tsullakhang chanting sacrced mantras.
Buddhists in Sikkim believes that every year on this day,GuruRinpoche comes back to Tibet and Sikkim from the southern cannibal country as promised to King Trisong Duetsen of Tibet when the later had requested not to abandon the kingdom.Guru Rinpoche's entry into Sikkim in early eight century saw recognition of a number of lands sacred spots and he subjugated all local demons converting them into guardian deities of the land.
He made them promise that he would remain custodian of the hidden treasures and ordered especially three important deities - Khangchendzonga,PowHungree and Yabdue.The abodes of all kinds of spirits in caves and mountains were subdued via his powerful mantras and blessed them.That is why there is a belief that a visit to the blessed or holy caves,lakes,mountains etc. erases years of sins and enthuses the minds with knowledge and wisdom.