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, it was said that the 12 Tenma served as local protectors of Tibet before Buddhism spread throughout the region. They eventually came to Padmasambhava's Asura Cave in Pharping, Nepal, where Padmasambhava was battling various deities and spirits.