The Burning Lake of Bhutan
In Bhutan, a saint is said to have dived into a river pool holding a burning lamp, and come back up with treasure, the lamp still alight.
What was reported
Membartsho, 'the burning lake', is a deep pool in a gorge of the Tang River in central Bhutan. It's one of the country's most sacred sites, hung with prayer flags.
The story is that in 1475 Pema Lingpa, a famous discoverer of hidden Buddhist teachings, was challenged by the local ruler to prove himself. He jumped into the pool holding a lit butter lamp, stayed under a long time, and came up with a chest of sacred texts and a statue, the lamp still burning in his hand.
Explanations offered
The story is a matter of faith. Pema Lingpa is a real historical figure, honoured in Bhutan as a great saint, and the treasures he is said to have found are part of its Buddhist tradition. Pilgrims leave butter lamps at the pool.
- When
- Said to be 1475
- Where
- Tang Valley, Bumthang, Bhutan
- Witnesses
- Bhutanese Buddhist tradition
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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