Formerly, the 12 Tenma were said to have been local protectors of Tibet before the spread of Buddhism until they came to Padmasambhava's Asura Cave in the Pharping region of Nepal while Padmasambhava was subduing many deities and spirits.
In the past, the 12 Tenma were believed to have been local protectors of Tibet before Buddhism gained widespread acceptance. They eventually made their way to Padmasambhava's Asura Cave in Pharping, Nepal, where he was engaged in combat with various deities and spirits.