A sense of divinity has swept through a serene village situated at the Pemathang-Martshala junction road. The unearthing of a remarkable rock formation near Userna has left its 74 households jubilant and awestruck.
For centuries, this unassuming rock lay dormant near the village until it was discovered to bear a striking resemblance to the revered deity, Lord Ganesh—the elephant-headed god, venerated by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The revelation unfolded last month when Lama Tashi Wangchuk, hailing from the retreat house in Pemathang, Samdrupjongkhar, unveiled this astonishing find. Recognizing the cultural and religious significance, the lama collaborated with a local Hindu priest to conduct a special prayer ceremony and hoist prayer flags, paying homage to this divine manifestation.
Lord Ganesh holds a special place in Hindu beliefs as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of auspicious beginnings. In Buddhism, he is known as Lhachen Tshogda—a protective deity.
The rock’s contours perfectly emulate the image of a peaceful sleeping elephant, complete with its eyes, trunk, tusks, and ears. Lama Tashi Wangchuk interprets this representation as a symbol of tranquility, imparting blessings of well-being and harmony to the region, its people, and even extending to The King and the country.
As Userna lacks a monastery, this discovery has imbued the lives of its residents with a profound sense of spirituality. On the auspicious occasion of the First Sermon of the Buddha, locals flocked to the site to offer prayers and paint along the contour lines of the rock—a practice inspired by its otherworldly resemblance.
“The rock’s resemblance has sparked unparalleled devotion among the villagers,” shares Tashi Norbu, one of the residents deeply moved by the spiritual significance of the find.
Looking to the future, plans are already underway to hold a grand prayer ceremony, attracting devotees from the entire gewog, and consecrate an idol of Lord Ganesh during the forthcoming winter. The villagers aspire to transform Pemathang Gewog into a sought-after destination for devotees and worshippers seeking to bask in the blessings of this divine manifestation.
Pemathang is renowned for its exquisite rice delicacy, khamtey, and takes immense pride in its fertile soil, which is skillfully cultivated across 588.56 acres of wetland.
The region’s allure lies in its stunning landscapes, characterized by hanging plateaus and gently sloping terrains leading down to the lush Assam plains.
The discovery of this remarkable rock formation has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the village of Userna, bestowing upon it a newfound sense of the divine and weaving together the threads of spirituality that bind its people.
