@explorewithphubtshering: Introduction to the Padmasambhava Cave of Gyephuk Village In the Tibetan language, "Gye" in "Gyephuk" means departure or farewell, while "Phuk" means cave. In 635 AD, when the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo welcomed the Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti, her wedding procession passed through this area. After the wedding ceremony was held in the cave, most members of the Nepalese entourage departed from here and returned to Nepal. Therefore, the cave became known as Gyephuk ("the Cave of Departure"). Another legend tells of three self-appearing Buddha Shakyamuni statues inside the cave. Tibetan Buddhists regard this cave as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites and believe that visiting it is an essential part of their spiritual practice. The great master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) also meditated in this cave during his journey to Tibet. For this reason, it is also known as the Padmasambhava Meditation Cave. The cave contains many sacred self-manifested images and symbols, including images of deities, Dharma protectors, Mahakala (Mahā Dru Ru), stupas, the Sixteen Volumes of Scriptures, Brahma, Indra, an iron pestle, vajra, bell, prayer beads, conch shell, peacock, Garuda, the Kalachakra Mandala, lotus footprints of Padmasambhava, the footprint of Tsepuk Lama, and many other naturally formed sacred signs. About 200 steps from the cave, visitors can see naturally appearing footprints of Padmasambhava, sacred animal images, and the place where Princess Bhrikuti is said to have ridden a goat. Nearby is a naturally formed image of Padmasambhava subduing the nine-headed demon. Following the ancient pilgrimage route for another 300 meters, pilgrims reach a place called Lama, where, according to tradition, the Tibetan King's side offered barley wine to welcome Princess Bhrikuti. Along this route are many other sacred sites, including the monasteries of Dorjeling, Samten Choeling, Tsepuk, and the ancient remains of Gyephuk Village.