Rada Nyekhang

I was born in the spring of the wood Dog year 1994 in a ramshackle nearby Rada Lhakhang. The Lhakhang, also known as the Rada Nyekhang, is located in Gangthangkha, at the heart of erstwhile Wangdue town. Just beneath the Lhakhang is the district court.

Whenever I visit my home, my mother prepares a bottle of locally brewed wine(ara) to be offered as serkyem (Ser means  gold and Kyem refers to beverage)to appease our deity Ap Radap. She insists me to visit the Rada Nyekhang to seek guidance and blessings of Ap Radap, as I was born a\nd brought up at Wangdue. My childhood was mostly in the woods of Cypress near the Lhakhang, playing in the dust, says my mother.

Renovated Lhakhang 

Ap Radap was revered as a deity by the reincarnation of Chana Dorji, Mondey Phurpa. Mondey Phurpa accompanied Ap Radap to Radagang (Rada Nye), located at Sha Khotokha. Early stories of Ap Radap dates back to the times when he was born as the king of the Nagas in an ocean.

He was said to have re-born in  the Yoe Dhang Dhenpai Zhingkham (shining paradise)after receiving monk vows from the Buddha. When he died, he then took the form of Sangay Yoesung (Buddha Kasyapa). During this incarnation, he imprecated those who denounced him and due to this he had to live numerous lives in the hell.

Then he was re-born as the youngest son of the Masang Puendhuen (Seven Siblings), born from the inter-marriage of God and Naga. He was known as Drulchen Nagpo(Gigantic Black snake). The mother Naga(Lumo), out of unconditional love and affection, gifted him with the Jewel Norbu Samphel. Thus Ap Radap is considered to be wealthy and could also endow people with wealth.

After having administered as Geshey, he inadvertently assassinated one of his follower monks. Therefore he had to take a form of deity on the cliff(Draktshen) at a Ta Na cliff in Shangyul. During that time, Lopen Pema Thoethreng bestowed him blessings, oral transmissions and was purified with holy water. He was then named Dorji Draktsen, after receiving Chabdro and oath of the Genyen(Dhompa). Then he was also made responsible for upholding the Dharma teachings.

Shield and metal Hats in the doorway of Rada Lhakhang

According to the history,  the then Wangdzop Sigay from Sha had constructed  the Lhakhang  more than 150 years ago. After major renovation, the Lhakhang now has transformed into brand new structure in and out.

However Ap Radap had said that his Nyekhang at Sha Khotokha was as small as a goat(ra) when he arrived in Bhutan, thereby “Rada” became popular and He was then known as Ap Radap.

Ap Radap is wrathful in appearance and red in color. He holds a spear in his right hand and a snake-rope in the left. He rides a red-horse. This manifestation is particularly sought during times of war and major events in the community.

During the 2003 'Operation All Clear' armed personnel are said to have sought the guidance of Ap Radap before setting out into the war towards the southern border.

History also records that the defeat of Wangzop's Zimpon (chamberlain) Pemi Tshewang Tashi’s troops by Jakar Poenlop's force, was also said to have predicted ominously by him. The Lhakhang also house Goenkhang with deity Pelden Lhamo.

Ap Radap is popularly known for his lead role as military commander and also manifests into a king, a monk, two other manifestations to fight evil and to help people in need.

The Lhakhang is not only significant to the locals of Wangdue Phodrang yet people from across the country pay visit to seek guidance from Ap Radap. Tourist from outside are also seen visiting the site. Parents visit to seek names for a newborn and those who were born in Wangdue also visit to seek blessings and guidance.

Reference: Kuensel online