Kathmandu. There is also a Gumba (Buddhist monastery) located inside the caves carved out of the red clay mountain wall in Chhusong of Waragung Muktikshetra in Mustang district of Nepal. On understanding the history of the sculptures installed in this cave, it becomes clear that this cave located inside the cave is more than 1,200 years old.
Located on a steep slope near the Kagbeni-Korla road via Jomsom, the cave inside is called ‘Minchi Lhwang’ Gumba. This religious Buddhist shrine is owned by six families of Chhusong village. Here every evening the members of these six families take turns lighting lamps and performing puja.
Located on a steep slope above the Korla road, this cave is in a very risky place. According to the local people, in ancient times the ancestors of Chhusong village had cut the mountain and established Gumba here.
Even the present generation does not have the details of how old this tomb actually is. In ancient times, the ancestors who came from Manang settled in Chhusong village along with their deity.
Local resident Shyam Gurung said that this cave, located in a weak geographical structure, is risky in itself. Considering its archaeological and historical importance, the responsibility of its conservation rests on these six families. According to him, this family has been taking care of the cave and Gumba for generations.
Situated in a mud mountain about 100 meters high, this cave is in danger of being damaged by landslides and floods, so the concerned bodies should pay attention to its conservation. The local Gurung family insisted on this. He said that till now by the grace of God there has been no damage to the cave and Gumba.
A dome is installed on the upper floor of this unique cave. Gumba houses various statues of Buddha made of clay, which are said to be more than 800 years old. The stone statue of Haritara housed in a frame is believed to be about 1,200 years old.
Inside the cave of Minchi Lhwang Gumba, age-old artistic paintings are also present. The walls and ceiling of the upper floor have been painted with earthen colors as per the geography of the cave.
According to local Gurung, statues of Buddha have been placed in a corner of the second floor of the cave and there is also a provision for circumambulation there. Some foreign researchers have also studied this cave and Gumba. Foreign organizations have also provided technical and financial support for conservation.
Located on the slopes of Chusong, in this cave, small window-like holes have been made on the first and second floors for lighting. There are two wooden stairs to go up from the ground floor of the cave, with the help of which the upper floor can be reached.
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