Lakes

A sacred place besides temples, monasteries and meditation centers are the lakes that are considered the dwelling place of the Nagas and the Klus. Every lake is considered holy and has a deity abiding it. These lakes are visited by pilgrims and therefore places of pilgrimage for the Bhutanese. Lakes are considered to possess certain wealth, relics and hidden treasures. People pray to these lakes for wealth and prosperity besides averting misfortunes. But not all lakes are considered holy there are lakes that are inhabited by evil deities and considered bad.

Lakes are also known for purity. Any odd behavior such as making noises causing disturbances like washing is forbidden. One particular lake in eastern Bhutan considered holy is the Dangling Tsho. People visit it every year and the monks perform rituals to appease the deity. Many tales are told of how this deity especially helps people who pray to him like granting wealth and protecting them. It is believed that the deity lives in a palace made of gold and on a holy day visitors with good heart while looking at the lake is supposed to see the palace. Visitors visiting this particular lake is forbidden to carry with them pork, beef, eggs and onions and garlic. If one does so than one is lavished with fog and mists on the way and with a heavy downpour of rain. There is also a time to visit the lakes. It is usually forbidden in the months of early spring and during harvest time which might spoil the harvests.