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Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple, Tumlong, Sikkim

Perched in the sacred landscape of Tumlong near Phodong in North Sikkim, the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple is a monumental tribute to Guru Padmasambhava and the visionary legacy of the Mindrolling lineage.

Inaugurated on November 11, 2024, by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, the temple is hailed as the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, named after the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory—the celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche. Its consecration marked a historic moment for Sikkim and the broader Himalayan Buddhist community, drawing dignitaries, Rinpoches, and devotees from across the region.

Architecturally, the temple is a marvel of mandala-based design, with each side reflecting the colors and energies of the Five Buddha Families. The structure is richly adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and sacred iconography that embody the depth of Vajrayana symbolism. The temple’s construction was spearheaded by Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, whose vision and leadership, along with the efforts of monks, artists, and benefactors, brought this ambitious project to life. Over 70 monks from Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun participated in the consecration rituals, including the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, a sacred dance honoring Guru Rinpoche.

Spiritually, the temple stands as a gateway to the Copper-Colored Mountain, offering practitioners a space to connect with the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava. It is considered one of the most meritorious types of temples to build, believed to generate vast spiritual benefit for all beings. The site is also deeply connected to the concept of Beyul, or hidden lands blessed by Padmasambhava, reinforcing Sikkim’s role as a sanctuary of Dharma. Rituals such as the Kagyed Drubchen are held here, infusing the temple with vibrant spiritual energy and communal devotion.

Beyond its religious significance, the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple is poised to become a major cultural and pilgrimage destination. The Sikkim government has committed to improving infrastructure and accessibility, recognizing the temple’s potential to attract visitors and deepen appreciation for Himalayan Buddhist heritage. With its doors now open, the temple stands as a radiant beacon of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual continuity in the land once walked by Guru Rinpoche himself.

Entrance gate
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the entrance gate of a monastery is not merely an architectural feature—it is a threshold of transformation, symbolizing the passage from the ordinary world into a sacred mandala of awakened potential.

  • This gate marks the beginning of the practitioner’s journey toward enlightenment, and its design often reflects deep tantric symbolism. Adorned with motifs such as the vajra, lotus, and snow lions, the gate serves as a visual invocation of the qualities one must cultivate: fearlessness, purity, and indestructible wisdom. Passing through it is a ritual act, a moment of intention-setting and purification, where the practitioner mentally sheds worldly distractions and prepares to engage with the Dharma.
  • Spiritually, the gate represents the union of method and wisdom, core principles in Vajrayana practice. The vajra (symbol of skillful means) and ghanta (bell of wisdom) are often carved or painted on the gate, reminding visitors of the inseparable nature of compassion and insight. In some monasteries, the gate is flanked by the Four Guardian Kings, fierce protectors who ward off inner and outer obstacles. The gate thus becomes a mandala in stone, a sacred geometry that aligns the visitor with the energies of the monastery and its lineage. It is also a place where offerings may be made, prayers whispered, and intentions clarified.
  • At the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple in Tumlong, Sikkim, the entrance gate carries these symbolic layers while also reflecting the grandeur and visionary scope of the temple itself. Inaugurated in 2024 as the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, it is modeled after the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory, the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava. The gate is richly adorned with vibrant colors representing the Five Buddha Families, each side of the temple aligned with a cardinal direction and its corresponding enlightened quality. Entering through this gate is akin to stepping into a mandala palace—a sacred realm where the teachings of Guru Rinpoche are alive and accessible.
  • The gate at Denjong Mindrolling is also deeply connected to the concept of Beyul, or hidden lands blessed by Padmasambhava. Sikkim itself is considered one such land, and the temple’s entrance serves as a portal into this mystical geography. During consecration ceremonies and ritual dances like the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, the gate becomes a ceremonial threshold, framing the movement of monks, deities, and blessings. It is not just a passage—it is a spiritual invitation, calling all who enter to awaken their inner mountain of glory and walk the path of wisdom, compassion, and realization.

“Jingle truck” from Sikkim's Mindrolling Monastery
In India, “jingle trucks” are more than just cargo carriers—they’re rolling canvases of folk art, spirituality, and personal expression.

  • These trucks are elaborately decorated with vibrant colors, intricate floral patterns, religious iconography, poetic slogans, and ornamental embellishments like mirror work, tassels, and chains that jingle as the truck moves—hence the name. While the term originated with American troops in Afghanistan, it’s now affectionately used across South Asia to describe these flamboyant vehicles. In India, regions like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are especially known for their distinctive truck art styles, each reflecting local culture and humor.
  • The decoration of jingle trucks is deeply symbolic. Many feature motifs of eagles, cows, deities, and protective talismans like the nazar battu to ward off evil. Slogans such as “Horn OK Please” or “Use Dipper at Night” are ubiquitous, blending practical road etiquette with quirky charm. For truck drivers, these vehicles often serve as homes away from home, and the art becomes a way to express longing, pride, and identity. Some trucks even include portraits of family members or spiritual gurus, turning the vehicle into a shrine on wheels.
  • In the context of Sikkim, where Buddhist monasteries and temples are nestled in the Himalayan landscape, jingle trucks take on an added layer of spiritual significance. The Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple, inaugurated in 2024 as the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, is served by such a truck that embodies both the aesthetic and devotional spirit of the region. This particular truck, used during the temple’s consecration and festivals, is adorned with Buddhist symbols like the vajra, lotus, and snow lions, and often carries offerings, ritual items, and monks. Its jingling ornaments echo the ceremonial bells used in tantric rituals, creating a sensory bridge between movement and meditation.
  • The truck’s presence at the temple is not just logistical—it’s ceremonial. During events like the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham and Kagyed Drubchen, the truck becomes part of the sacred choreography, transporting sacred statues, ritual implements, and even dancers in elaborate costumes. It’s a fusion of folk art and Vajrayana devotion, where the road becomes a pilgrimage and the truck a vessel of blessings. In this way, the jingle truck serving Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple is a living testament to how tradition, art, and spirituality converge in the highlands of Sikkim.

Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Zangdokpalri, the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory, is the celestial pure land of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.

  • According to sacred texts and visionary revelations, this realm lies in Ngayab Ling, a mystical southwestern island beyond the known world. It is said that after subduing the rakshasa king Raksha Totreng, Guru Rinpoche assumed his form and manifested the Palace of Lotus Light atop Zangdokpalri, where he continues to dwell as a vidyadhara of spontaneous presence—a fully awakened being who guides sentient beings through emanations and blessings.
  • The palace itself is described as a mandala of sublime geometry: built upon an eight-sided gem and a thousand-petaled lotus, with four gates, four arches, and eight pillars. Each direction is adorned with walls of precious substances—crystal in the east, lapis lazuli in the south, ruby in the west, and sapphire in the north—symbolizing the enlightened qualities of the Five Buddha Families. Zangdokpalri is not just a mythic destination; it is a profound metaphor for the awakened mind, and practitioners aspire to be reborn there through prayer, visualization, and devotion.
  • In a remarkable tribute to this sacred realm, the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple was inaugurated on November 11, 2024, in Tumlong, North Sikkim, by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Built under the visionary guidance of Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, the temple is considered the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, embodying the mandala of the Copper-Colored Mountain in physical form. Each side of the temple reflects the colors and energies of the Buddha families, and its consecration was marked by elaborate rituals, including the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, performed by over 70 monks from Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun.
  • Spiritually, the temple is a gateway to Guru Rinpoche’s pure land, offering practitioners a space to connect with his blessings and teachings. It stands in Sikkim’s sacred geography, often regarded as a Beyul—a hidden land blessed by Padmasambhava. The temple’s establishment reinforces Sikkim’s role as a sanctuary of Dharma and a beacon of Vajrayana heritage. With its doors now open, Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple is poised to become a major pilgrimage site, radiating the wisdom, compassion, and transformative power of the Copper-Colored Mountain.

Nyingma Mindrolling logo in front of the temple
The Mindrolling lineage is one of the most revered hereditary traditions within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in 1676 by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa, a renowned terton (treasure revealer).

  • Known as Palden Nyorig, the lineage traces its roots to celestial origins and has been preserved through direct descendants of Terdak Lingpa for over thirteen generations. Mindrolling emphasizes both scholastic excellence and spiritual realization, with a strong focus on Dzogchen teachings, tantric rituals, and the study of Buddhist scriptures, astrology, medicine, and calligraphy.
  • The original Mindrolling Monastery in Tibet, located near Lhasa, was one of the “Six Mother Monasteries” of the Nyingma tradition. Despite suffering destruction during the Mongol invasions and later the Cultural Revolution, it was rebuilt and remains a vital center of Dharma. In exile, Mindrolling Monastery was re-established in Dehradun, India, in 1965 by Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, who also founded branch monasteries in Kalimpong, Delhi, and Taiwan. These temples continue to uphold the lineage’s teachings and host major rituals such as the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya.
  • A crowning achievement of the lineage is the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple, inaugurated on November 11, 2024, in Tumlong, North Sikkim. Conceived by Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, this temple is modeled after Zangdokpalri, the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory—Guru Padmasambhava’s celestial abode. It is considered the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, built in mandala form with each side reflecting the colors and energies of the Five Buddha Families. The consecration ceremony featured sacred dances like the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, performed by over 70 monks from Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun.
  • Spiritually, the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple is a gateway to Guru Rinpoche’s pure land, offering practitioners a space to connect with his blessings and teachings. Located in Sikkim’s sacred geography, often regarded as a Beyul or hidden land blessed by Padmasambhava, the temple reinforces the region’s role as a sanctuary of Vajrayana Buddhism. It stands as a radiant beacon of the Mindrolling lineage’s continuity, merging visionary architecture, ritual depth, and spiritual aspiration into a living mandala of awakening.

Temple seen from northwest


Gate of Vaisravana, the Heavenly King of the North
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Vaisravana—also known as the Heavenly King of the North—is one of the Four Great Kings who guard the cardinal directions of the universe.

  • He is revered as the protector of the northern realm and the leader of the yakshas, mystical beings associated with wealth and guardianship. Often depicted in golden armor, Vaisravana carries a parasol or banner symbolizing sovereignty, and a mongoose that spits jewels, representing generosity and the defeat of greed. His spiritual role extends beyond protection to the bestowal of both material prosperity and inner wisdom, making him a central figure in tantric rituals and temple iconography.
  • Vaisravana's symbolism is deeply rooted in the balance between spiritual wealth and worldly abundance. He is said to reside in the celestial palace of Alakapuri on the northern slope of Mount Sumeru, surrounded by gardens and divine beings. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is also known as Namtose and is often portrayed outside monastery entrances, guarding the Dharma and warding off negative forces. His presence is invoked during rituals for protection, prosperity, and the purification of obstacles, especially in Dzogchen and tantric practices.
  • At the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple in Tumlong, Sikkim—hailed as the world's largest Zangdokpalri temple—Vaisravana's door holds special significance. This entrance is not just a physical gateway but a spiritual threshold aligned with the northern direction and the energies of the Ratna Buddha family, which governs abundance and equanimity. The door is adorned with vibrant murals and carvings of Vaisravana, often flanked by snow lions and auspicious symbols. It serves as a guardian portal, inviting practitioners to enter the mandala of the Copper-Colored Mountain while being shielded by the king's vigilant presence.
  • During consecration ceremonies and sacred dances like the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, Vaisravana's door becomes a focal point of ritual movement and invocation. Monks pass through it bearing offerings and sacred implements, reinforcing its role as a protective and transformative gateway. For devotees, stepping through this door is an act of spiritual alignment—an entry into a realm where the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava and the guardianship of Vaisravana converge to support the path of awakening.

Gate of Virudhaka, the Heavenly King of the South
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Virudhaka is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, revered as the Guardian of the South and the leader of the Kumbhanda spirits—fierce beings who dwell in the desire realms.

  • His name translates to “Noble Birth” or “Growth,” symbolizing spiritual expansion and the cultivation of virtue. Virudhaka is typically depicted in regal armor, wielding a sword that represents the cutting away of ignorance and the protection of the Dharma. He resides on the southern slope of Mount Meru, the mythic axis of the Buddhist cosmos, and is invoked in rituals for purification, protection, and the enhancement of spiritual strength.
  • Symbolically, Virudhaka embodies the Ratna Buddha family, which governs equanimity, abundance, and the transformation of pride into wisdom. His sword is not just a weapon—it is a tool of clarity, used to dispel delusion and defend the sacred teachings. In iconography, he often appears trampling demons or standing guard at temple entrances, signifying his role as a fierce protector of the Dharma. His presence is especially important in tantric practices, where directional guardians are invoked to stabilize the ritual mandala and safeguard the practitioner’s spiritual journey.
  • At the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple in Tumlong, Sikkim, Virudhaka’s door marks the southern entrance to the temple’s mandala structure. This temple, inaugurated in 2024 as the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, is modeled after Guru Padmasambhava’s celestial abode—the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory. Each side of the temple corresponds to one of the cardinal directions and its associated Buddha family, with Virudhaka’s door aligned to the south and adorned with vibrant murals, guardian motifs, and tantric symbols. The door serves as a spiritual threshold, inviting practitioners to enter with humility and strength, under the watchful gaze of the king who enhances virtue.
  • During consecration ceremonies and sacred dances like the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, Virudhaka’s door becomes a focal point of ritual movement and invocation. Monks pass through it bearing offerings and sacred implements, reinforcing its role as a portal of transformation and protection. For devotees, stepping through this door is not just a physical act—it is a symbolic alignment with the energies of growth, discipline, and fearless compassion that Virudhaka embodies.

Gate of Virupaksa, the Heavenly King of the West
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Virupaksa is the Heavenly King of the West, one of the Four Great Kings who guard the cardinal directions of the universe.

  • His name means “He who sees all,” reflecting his role as a vigilant protector and overseer of the western realm. Virupaksa is the guardian of the nagas, serpent-like beings associated with water, wisdom, and hidden treasures. He is often depicted in red, with a wrathful expression, holding a snake or dragon—symbols of transformation and adaptability. His presence is invoked to protect the Dharma and to dispel ignorance through insight and clarity.
  • Symbolically, Virupaksa embodies the Padma Buddha family, which governs discriminating wisdom and the transformation of desire into spiritual insight. His association with serpents and dragons speaks to the fluid, ever-changing nature of reality, and the need for practitioners to remain flexible yet grounded in their pursuit of enlightenment. In tantric rituals, Virupaksa is called upon to stabilize the western quadrant of the mandala, ensuring that the sacred space remains protected and energetically balanced.
  • At the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple in Tumlong, Sikkim, Virupaksa’s door marks the western entrance to the temple’s mandala structure. This temple, inaugurated in 2024 as the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, is modeled after Guru Padmasambhava’s celestial abode—the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory. Each side of the temple corresponds to a cardinal direction and its associated Buddha family, with Virupaksa’s door adorned in deep reds and intricate carvings of serpents, flames, and protective deities. The door serves as a spiritual gateway, inviting practitioners to enter with discernment and devotion, under the watchful gaze of the king who sees all.
  • During sacred ceremonies like the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, Virupaksa’s door becomes a focal point of ritual movement and invocation. Monks pass through it bearing offerings and sacred implements, reinforcing its role as a portal of wisdom and protection. For devotees, stepping through this door is a symbolic act of aligning with the energies of transformation, clarity, and fearless insight that Virupaksa embodies. It is not just an entrance—it is a passage into the heart of the Dharma.

Entering the gate of Dhrtarastra, the Heavenly King of the East
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Dhrtarastra is the Heavenly King of the East, one of the Four Great Kings who guard the cardinal directions of the universe.

  • He is the leader of the gandharvas, celestial musicians who use sound to harmonize and protect the Dharma. Dhrtarastra is often depicted in white or green armor, holding a lute or sword, symbolizing his dual role as a guardian and a transmitter of spiritual harmony. His name means "Upholder of the Nation," and he resides on the eastern slope of Mount Meru, the mythic axis of the Buddhist cosmos. His presence is invoked to protect the Dharma and foster moral order through music and vigilance.
  • Symbolically, Dhrtarastra embodies the Vajra Buddha family, which governs mirror-like wisdom and the transformation of anger into clarity. His lute represents the power of sound to awaken and purify, while his vigilant posture reflects his role as a protector of sacred space. In tantric rituals, he is called upon to stabilize the eastern quadrant of the mandala, ensuring that the energies of the temple or ritual site remain balanced and receptive. His association with music also highlights the Vajrayana view that art and aesthetics can be vehicles for spiritual realization.
  • At the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple in Tumlong, Sikkim, Dhrtarastra’s door marks the eastern entrance to the temple’s mandala structure. This temple, inaugurated in 2024 as the world’s largest Zangdokpalri Temple, is modeled after Guru Padmasambhava’s celestial abode—the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory. Each side of the temple corresponds to a cardinal direction and its associated Buddha family, with Dhrtarastra’s door adorned in luminous whites and blues, featuring murals of celestial musicians, protective deities, and auspicious symbols. The door serves as a spiritual gateway, inviting practitioners to enter with clarity, receptivity, and devotion.
  • During sacred ceremonies like the Tshe Chu Chenmo Cham, Dhrtarastra’s door becomes a focal point of ritual movement and invocation. Monks pass through it bearing musical instruments, offerings, and sacred implements, reinforcing its role as a portal of harmony and protection. For devotees, stepping through this door is a symbolic act of aligning with the energies of sound, vigilance, and mirror-like wisdom that Dhrtarastra embodies. It is not just an entrance—it is a passage into the eastern realm of the Dharma, where clarity and compassion resonate like sacred music.

Portico and door of the temple.


Ground floor
The ground floor of the Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple offers a vivid and spiritually immersive experience.

  • At its heart stands a majestic altar featuring three central deities: Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, occupies the central position, radiating serenity and benevolence. To his right is Hayagriva, a fierce manifestation of Avalokiteshvara known for subduing negative forces, while to his left stands Vajrayogini, the powerful female deity representing wisdom and transformation. Together, these figures form a triad that reflects the union of compassion, wrathful protection, and enlightened feminine energy.
  • Surrounding the altar, the temple walls are adorned with intricate murals that narrate the life of the Buddha. These depictions unfold like a visual sutra, guiding visitors through key moments—from Siddhartha’s birth and renunciation to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and his teachings that followed. The scenes are set against a lush green background, symbolizing vitality, renewal, and the fertile ground of spiritual awakening. The choice of green also evokes the natural beauty of Sikkim, harmonizing the temple’s interior with its Himalayan surroundings.
  • The artistry on the ground floor is deeply rooted in the Mindrolling lineage’s aesthetic and spiritual traditions. Every brushstroke and sculpted detail reflects the temple’s dedication to preserving and transmitting the Dharma. The layout follows a mandala-like symmetry, inviting visitors to move through the space in a contemplative, clockwise path—mirroring the ritual circumambulation practiced in Tibetan Buddhism.
  • This sacred space is more than a visual marvel; it’s a living mandala designed to awaken the mind and heart. Whether one arrives as a pilgrim or a curious traveler, the ground floor of the Zangdokpalri Temple offers a rare convergence of art, devotion, and Himalayan mysticism. It’s a place where stories carved in color and form become gateways to deeper understanding.
  • Photograph found somewhere on the Internet.

First floor
The first floor is a sanctified space that pays homage to Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the revered tantric master who brought Buddhism to Tibet.

  • His statue occupies the central position on the altar, exuding a sense of mystical authority and spiritual magnetism. Flanking him are two seated male figures—likely his principal disciples or manifestations—who represent the transmission of esoteric wisdom and the continuity of the Vajrayana lineage.
  • The walls of this floor are a kaleidoscope of sacred imagery, densely populated with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas rendered in vibrant hues and intricate detail. Each figure is depicted in a unique mudra (gesture) and posture, symbolizing different aspects of enlightenment, compassion, and wisdom. The visual abundance creates a mandala-like atmosphere, enveloping visitors in a field of spiritual presence and inviting contemplation of the vast pantheon of enlightened beings.
  • This level of the temple is designed not just for aesthetic admiration but for deep spiritual engagement. The arrangement of deities and the immersive wall art serve as a visual guide for practitioners, helping them internalize the qualities of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The ambiance encourages meditative reflection, with the serene gaze of each figure offering a silent teaching to those who enter with reverence.
  • Altogether, the first floor functions as a bridge between the earthly and the transcendent. It’s a place where the legacy of Padmasambhava is honored, and the viewer is surrounded by the compassionate gaze of countless enlightened beings—a living gallery of devotion and Dharma.
  • Photographs found somewhere on the Internet.

Secong floor
The second floor is a serene sanctuary dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha whose teachings form the foundation of Buddhism.

  • His statue sits in meditative stillness, hands resting gently on his lap, cradling a black vase adorned with delicate white lacework. This striking detail evokes purity and the containment of sacred nectar—symbolizing healing, longevity, and the essence of Dharma. The Buddha’s calm expression and symmetrical posture invite visitors into a space of reflection and inner stillness.
  • Encircling the statue of Padmasambhava, who is honored throughout the temple, is a symbolic ring representing the six paramitas—the perfections that guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment. These include generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom. Each paramita is likely illustrated or symbolized through iconography or subtle artistic cues, forming a mandala of spiritual progression. At the apex of this circle stands the figure of Garuda, the mythical bird-like being known for its swiftness and power to overcome obstacles. Garuda’s placement at the top suggests transcendence and the soaring liberation that comes from mastering the paramitas.
  • The walls of this floor continue the temple’s rich visual storytelling, possibly featuring celestial motifs and symbolic landscapes that elevate the viewer’s consciousness. The interplay between the grounded presence of Shakyamuni and the dynamic energy of Garuda creates a compelling spiritual tension—between stillness and flight, contemplation and action. This duality reflects the Vajrayana tradition’s embrace of both form and emptiness, wisdom and method.
  • Altogether, the second floor serves as a contemplative bridge between the earthly teachings of the Buddha and the transformative power of tantric practice. It’s a space where devotion meets philosophy, and where the viewer is gently nudged toward awakening—not through dogma, but through beauty, symbolism, and sacred presence.
  • Photograph found somewhere on the Internet.

Leaving Denjong Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple


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