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 that Guru Rinpoche transformed into rock. It is said that Padmasambhava liberated her in this way to inspire future generations who would see the rock.

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

Further down stream about, twenty-five meters, on the side of the river are rocks presenting two foot prints of Guru Rinpoche and the body impact of the Rakshasa he grabbed there and took to the cave.

In front of the cave in the river are the hot spring which give the name to the place, and are accessible only part of the year.