Self-Risen Rock Paintings in Bhutan

Bhutan is such a magical place that sometimes magical things happen. Near Cheri Monastery, the country’s first monastic establishment, there is a striking rock painting of Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, one of Bhutan’s most revered saints. The image shows him seated in meditation, holding a vajra and bell, symbols of wisdom and compassion, surrounded by protective deities.
Rock paintings and carvings are common in Bhutan, placed at spiritually powerful sites to bless travellers and sanctify the land. Some of them, including this one, are believed to be “self-risen.” (I had to laugh when I first heard the term; the only thing I associated with “self-risen” was flour!) It means the image is said to have appeared miraculously, without human hands.
When I arrived on a sunny morning with my guide and driver, the golden bits of the painting gleamed in the light. Rather magical. Self-arisen? Not sure.
The story of Phajo Dugom Zhigpo is also fascinating. Born in Tibet, he was a highly gifted Buddhist practitioner of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Following a prophecy, he travelled to Bhutan through snow-caked passes in the early 13th century to spread the Drukpa teachings, which later became the country’s dominant Buddhist tradition.
Across cultures and throughout history, there have always been miracle stories. Immaculate Conception came to mind. Legends like self-risen rock paintings help create sacredness and strengthen religious authority.