The Secret Cave of the Dakini

The Secret Cave of the Dakini in the South (Wyl. lho mkha’ ‘gro gsang phug) — one of the four sacred caves of Sikkim, and the one to the South of Tashiding.

This cave is easily accessible. It is five kilometres south of Legship, on the way to Reshi and Nayabazar. The place is known as 'Tatopani' (hot springs). In front of the cave there is a small monastery and a stupa.

The entrance-way to the cave is a low tunnel of about 10 metres in length. Inside the cave, there are numerous imprints left by Guru Rinpoche, including of the Lotus Hat that liberates upon seeing, and the Pandita Hat.

Outside the cave, above the door is the body of a nun which Guru Rinpoche transformed into rock. It is said that Padmasambhava liberated her in this way to inspire future generations who would see the rock.

After passing the gate and entering an inner patio, as you face the stairs that lead up to the cave, there is a path on the left that leads to a hole. It is said that, if you can pass through that hole, all your obscurations will be purified. Also, according to the oral tradition, from above the cave itself there are underground passages that lead to another cave, "The Hidden Cave in the East").

About twenty-five metres down-stream on the banks of the river are rocks with the impressions of two foot prints of Guru Rinpoche and also of the body of the Rakshasa he grabbed there and took to the cave.

In front of the cave, in the river, are the hot springs after which the cave is named, and which are accessible for only part of the year.