"Tibetans call Tirthapuri, literally meaning in Indian languages a place of pilgrimage, Retapuri. And though Retapuri meant 'place of demons,' it is derived from Pretapuri, a name given to this place by early Indian pilgrims. Pret refers to being from the other world and puri is a settlement or habitation. Legend has it that Bhasmasura, the demon, prayed and undertook penance here. Satisfied with his penance, Lord Shiva granted him a boon, which he injudiciously used against the Lord himself. This enraged Shiva enough to trick the luckless demon to turn himself to bhasma, or ashes. The whitish calcium deposits at Tirthapuri are said to be the ashes so produced."

--from Here Be Yaks by Manosi Lahiri

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