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Thangtong Gyalpo (1361-1485 CE), or "The King of the Empty Plain," was a Buddhist Mahasiddha, a Chöd master, yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and pioneering civil engineer. In addition, he is believed to be the most widely traveled person in Tibetan history. He's also known by the names Chakzampa, the "Iron Bridge Builder," and Tsondru Zangpo, "Excellent Persistence." Many people believe he was an emanation of both Padmasambhava (known as "Guru Rinpoche" among Tibetan Buddhists) and Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen, the foremost master of shentong and a major proponent of the Jonang tradition. Aside from his architectural feats of building 58 iron chain suspension bridges (several of which are still in use today) and erecting several large stupas across Tibet and Bhutan, he is known for founding the Iron Chain lineage of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition. Furthermore, he is known for developing Lhamo or Tibetan theater in the 14th century and establishing song and dance troupes to raise money needed to build bridges. Performers would tell stories, recite mantras, and perform song and dance as a means to both teach and subdue demons for the sake of building Tangtong Gyalpo's bridges. Lastly, Tangtong Gyalpo was known for his ability to eradicate disease. His famous prayer commonly known as "Thangtong Gyalpo's Refuge Prayer" is said to be helpful for averting adverse circumstances and transforming difficulty.
This sculpture was hand crafted by the very talented artists of the beautiful Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal!
