The legend of the Seven Rongtsan brothers, revered as local protectors, is an integral part of Ladakhi folklore and history. Originally believed to have hailed from Bodh Gaya in Bihar, the brothers fled to Tibet before journeying to Ladakh alongside Lama Dorjey Palzang. As they traveled through Ladakh, the Rongtsan brothers settled in various locations along their route, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
2. Another two chose to settle in Matho village and are known as Nag-rang (Pic 3-4).
3. The next two settled in Stok village and are known as Ser-rang (Pic 5-6).
4. The last of the brothers settled in Skurbuchan village and is known as Zang-nams (Zangs-rnams).
The site, a grove of vegetation along the main road leading to the village, is regarded as one of the most sacred places—not only in Skurbuchan but in the entire region.Every year, before the start of the famous Matho Nagrang festival, four villagers from Matho travel to Skurbuchan to collect seven donkey loads of Shukpa (juniper) from the valleys. According to traditional practice, the visitors from Matho first stop at Zangs-rnams, where they offer prayers, Largyal, and present offerings brought from Matho. Only after these rituals do they proceed to gather Shukpa from the mountains. The Shukpa is then taken back to Matho as a symbolic gift from Zangs-rnams to his brothers in Matho. It is used for the renewal of the shrine of the two brothers during the Matho Nagrang festival, ensuring the continuity of one of Ladakh’s oldest traditions, which has been passed down for centuries.
For more on the Rongtsan brothers, refer to:
Dollfus, Pascale. “The Seven Rongtsan Brothers in Ladakh: Myth, Territory, and Possession.” Études mongoles et sibériennes, centrasiatiques et tibétaines (2006): n. pag.