An Abode for the ‘Lu!

According to the lunar calendar, today is considered one of the most auspicious days to appease the ‘𝘓𝘶 (Naga) and to install 𝘉𝘶𝘮𝘵𝘦𝘳 (Treasure Vase). Taking advantage of this auspicious occasion, all our staff came together to build a ‘𝘓𝘶𝘣𝘶𝘮 𝘊𝘩ö𝘵𝘦𝘯 (a dwelling place for the Naga) within our premises.

There was previously a ‘𝘓𝘶𝘣𝘶𝘮 at the same location but it had to be removed during the renovation and development of the Palace grounds. Today we took the opportunity to rebuild it.

From a traditional Bhutanese perspective, ‘𝘓𝘶 are regarded as powerful beings who dwell in water, earth, and underground realms. Maintaining harmony with them is seen as an important part of living respectfully with nature.

We believe that when the ‘𝘓𝘶 are disturbed, through digging the earth, construction, cutting trees, littering or polluting water, they may become displeased and cause imbalance. This is thought to manifest as illness, skin ailments, or misfortune. Appeasing the ‘𝘓𝘶 through rituals, offerings, and the construction of a ‘𝘓𝘶𝘣𝘶𝘮 is therefore seen as a way to restore harmony and balance between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.

In the end, we not only fulfilled our set goal, but it also became a meaningful team-building experience. Each staff member brought a curry to share for lunch, and as is the customary practice when appeasing the ‘𝘓𝘶, the meal was entirely vegetarian. A simple offering, a collective effort, and a day well spent!