A small temple that worships a snake; a lore about a guardian white snake; a sliding stone door that has not been opened in years — standing in the jungle of Ravangla, on a cloudy, foggy morning, these legends are enough to give you the chills. Rong-Lui Drak temple — a lesser-known gem in Ravangla, is the perfect blend of history and mythology
All images by Pooja MitraThe temple is a 15-minute hike if you take the uphill stone path that passes the Hilltop Rabong resort on the 14th Mile road in Ravangla. The beaten path snakes through pine trees and is home to rhododendron and ferns
The information board in front of the temple gives a glimpse into the history and mythology associated with the place. Rong-Lui Drak, also known as ‘the treasure trove of Ravine Naga’, is a place of worship that is believed to be guarded by a ‘swet naag’ — a white snake
(L) The temple has a wooden stump, atop which a few cone-shaped items are placed. (R) A stone relic is also worshipped
If you look carefully, the stone wall behind the temple is indeed a sliding slab. A few local residents, who were at the temple, informed about an old lore from the history of Ravangla — a Buddhist monk once slid open the door and entered the rock. The next morning, the door was found closed with the monk’s right arm stuck in the half-closed door. Ever since, no one has opened the sliding door, and what remains inside is unknown
The trees that surround the temple are decorated with prayer flags
Buddhist prayer flags that have the stamp of time, create a colourful sight
Another popular lore associated with the place is about a hollow atop the stone henge that has water all year round. Locals said the depth of the crater has never been measured. It is decorated with prayer flags, and incense sticks are carried to offer prayer to the sacred water source