Introduction to Zakirm: The Wealth Goddess of Tibet
Zakiram, also known as Drashi Lhamo, is regarded as one of the most powerful and efficacious wealth deities in Tibet. While she is widely revered for her ability to bring prosperity, she also offers blessings related to children, peace, and healing. Devotees believe that as long as their wishes are sincere and benevolent, Zakiram will use her divine powers to fulfill them. This goddess has become a symbol of hope for many, especially those seeking success in various aspects of their lives.
The Origin of Zakiram: A Journey from China to Tibet
Zakiram’s legend traces back to China, where she was originally a non-human Buddhist devotee. She followed a great master from the Sera Monastery to Lhasa, Tibet. Upon arriving, her beauty attracted envy from local female spirits. In a cruel act, they poisoned her and severed her feet. However, through her divine powers, Zakiram forced the poison into her tongue and replaced her severed feet with chicken feet, making her impervious to further harm. This remarkable event is why Drashi Lhamo’s statues often depict her with bulging eyes, a black face, a protruding poisoned tongue, and chicken feet.
Over time, the people of Lhasa, especially those from outside Tibet, began to regard Zakiram as a protective deity. Outsiders, particularly merchants, often prayed to her for prosperity and business success. Zakiram’s role as a wealth goddess became increasingly prominent, and her reputation spread across Tibet.
The Establishment of Drashi Monastery
Upon Zakiram’s arrival in Tibet, the great master who accompanied her shared their journey with the elders of the Chetsa House. The elder, impressed by the story, decided to build a small monastery for her. They crafted her statue and performed a grand “demon-subduing” ceremony. Zakiram was then appointed as the local earth deity and was named Drashi Lhamo. Her appearance, however, was not as beautiful as expected. The goddess was depicted with a black face, bulging eyes, a gaping mouth, and chicken claw-like hands. Despite her fearsome image, she quickly became the beloved deity of the local people.
At Drashi Monastery, a lamp keeper from Sera Monastery would accept devotees’ requests, provide divination, and offer guidance. Zakiram, or Drashi Lhamo, was believed to heal the sick, grant children, and bring prosperity to those who prayed sincerely. As word spread, pilgrims from all over Tibet came to seek her blessings.
Zakiram’s Role During the Qing Dynasty
In the 1730s, when most Qing Dynasty officials were recalled to mainland China, a small number of soldiers remained in Lhasa. These soldiers, many of whom were homesick, began to worship Zakiram for comfort. They believed that, since she originated from China, her blessings would help them with their longing for home. Zakiram became an important deity for the soldiers, who visited the Drashi Monastery regularly to pray for the health and well-being of their families.
To accommodate the soldiers’ needs, the monastery began offering services like divination and fortune-telling. Additionally, a nearby Guan Di Monastery was built, and the soldiers prayed for good fortune and victory in battle. Zakiram’s influence continued to grow, as her divine protection was linked to success in various endeavors.
Zakiram’s Blessings in Warfare
The power of Zakiram was also recognized during the 1793 Gurkha invasion of Tibet. The Qing Emperor Qianlong sent over ten thousand soldiers, led by Fukang’an, to defend Tibet. Despite the harsh conditions, the troops achieved victory, attributing their success to the divine protection of Drashi Lhamo and Lord Guan. Upon returning to Lhasa, the soldiers renovated the Drashi Monastery and recast the golden statue of Lord Guan as a gesture of gratitude.
The belief in Zakiram’s protective powers spread rapidly, and people from all walks of life continued to visit her temple, seeking blessings for both personal and professional success.
The Revival of Zakiram’s Worship During the Cultural Revolution
During the Cultural Revolution, many religious sites in Tibet were destroyed, and Drashi Monastery was no exception. However, in the 1980s, the monastery was reopened, and the worship of Zakiram flourished once again. As more people returned to the monastery, they shared their stories of how Zakiram had granted their wishes. The belief in her powers, especially among those from mainland China, gained momentum. Devotees, particularly those involved in business or study, flocked to the monastery for her blessings.
Zakiram’s fondness for “alcohol” became well-known, particularly her preference for Sichuan’s “Tuopai Liquor.” Many devotees now offer bottles of this liquor as part of their prayers, hoping for the fulfillment of their wishes. This tradition adds to the unique and personal connection that worshippers feel toward the goddess.
Zakiram’s Role as a Wealth Goddess
Zakiram’s temple, Drashi Monastery, became known as the “Wealth God Monastery” due to its association with prosperity. The monastery sees large crowds on Wednesdays, which is the designated day for worshipping for peace. Mondays are set aside for prayers for wealth, and Fridays are focused on health. The rituals often involve offerings of alcohol, wormwood, pine leaves, khatas, and butter. These practices symbolize the devotees’ respect and faith in Zakiram’s powers.
The monastery is located on Drashi Road in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. As Tibet’s only Wealth God monastery, it enjoys a prosperous flow of incense offerings, and Zakiram’s influence is still felt by many.
Zakiram’s Unique Divination Practices
Drashi Monastery is renowned for its unique divination services, which are said to be highly accurate. The goddess is believed to belong to the class of “worldly protective deities” in Tibetan Buddhism. Unlike transcendent deities, Zakiram has not transcended the suffering of samsara and still has karmic connections with humans. This makes her particularly receptive to the prayers and needs of her devotees, offering blessings in return for sincere devotion.
The monastery’s prosperity is closely linked to the faith and sincerity of its worshippers. People from mainland China, especially merchants and students, often make pilgrimages to Drashi Monastery to seek Zakiram’s blessings for success in their ventures. Her divine powers, particularly in relation to wealth and business success, are highly regarded.
Conclusion
Zakiram, or Drashi Lhamo, remains an enduring symbol of protection, prosperity, and divine intervention in Tibet. From her origins in China to her revered status in Tibetan culture, she has been a source of hope and guidance for generations. Whether it’s for success in business, peace of mind, or healing, Zakiram’s blessings continue to transform the lives of countless devotees. With her powerful presence, Drashi Monastery stands as a testament to her continued influence, ensuring that the goddess’s legacy thrives for years to come.
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