Dechen Draphu, the “Cliff of Great Bliss” is one of the “four cliffs” of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in his prophetic vision. This sacred cliff is located in Sha Khotakha of Bjena Gewog under Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag at 3053 meters above sea level.
It is said that Phajo Drugom Zhigpo saw the vision of the Mandala of eight precepts while meditating at this place. It was also here that Phajo received an indication that his teachings would flourish in Bhutan when his rosary string broke and the rosary beads got scattered around.
Also known as the “Cliff of Great Bliss,” the cliff looks remarkable, and several sacred sites are near the rock cavern. It is open to locals and tourists from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to Reach Dechen Draphu Ney
Dechen Drak is in Sha Khotokha. The sacred site is 23 kilometers from Tekizampa, which is 14 kilometers away from Wangdue Phodrang towards Trongsa. From Rinchenling Shedra junction, it is about half an hour’s drive to the nearest parking space of Dechen Drak.
You can also go from Sha Ngarwang or Khothangkha Dolangdo. From Khothangkha Dolangdo, it takes one hour’s drive to reach Dechen Draphu.
Wonders to See at Dechen Draphu Ney
- Sacred cave of Guru Rinpoche;
- The footprint of an elephant;
- Imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s Dharma robe;
- Guru’s hat;
- Guru’s Vajra;
- Khandro’s Baga;
- A Chorten built by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo;
- Imprint of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo;
- A small Lhakhang.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
Historical Significance of Dechen Drak
Guru Rinpoche is said to have traveled to Dechen Draphu as an elephant and meditated there in the 8th century. Later, Guru Rinpoche entrusted Phajo Drugom Zhigpo with his twelve meditation places.
According to the biography of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, “The Current of Compassion”, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo traveled to Taktsang Senge Samdrup Dzong in the 13th century following a prophetic direction from Tsangpa Gyare. While Phajo was meditating in Taktsang Palphug, Guru Rinpoche appeared to him in an unmistakable clear vision one early morning and said:
“I am entrusting to you twelve of my meditation places which consist of four Dzongs (Fortress), four cliffs, and four great caves; you have to plant the Victory Banner of Practice in all of these.”
Also Read: Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in Bhutan: The Sacred Sites of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his Descendants
Dechen Draphu’s History
According to Dechen Draphu’s history, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo went to Shar Khothang Dechen Drak and meditated there. The Lhodruk Chojung mentions that while Phajo was meditating there, he saw the vision of the Mandala of Eight Commands and obtained supernatural powers, both the highest and the ordinary. He also subdued the spirit, Tsen Moklap there.
At that time, a string of his rosary broke, and the beads scattered in 10 directions. While thinking about what it could signify, an immaterial voice from the above spoke:
“Do not be worried, it is a sign that your teaching will spread throughout the Southern Direction. Go back to the place where the prophecy was spoken. Meditate there and protect the living beings by way of your heroic yogic discipline and eliminate the enemies of the Dharma through your magical powers!”
Therefore, Dechen Drak is one of the four cliffs out of the twelve meditation places which consist of four Dzongs, four Cliffs, and four Caves entrusted to him by Guru Rinpoche. The other three cliffs are Thujidra in Thimphu, Gomdra in Paro, and Tshechudra in Gasa. It is believed that anyone who meditates here will become enlightened.
From Dechen Draphu, Phajo went back to Dodeyna where he had seven sons from Khandro Sonam Peldon later.
Description of Dechen Draphu
The giant sacred cave popularly known as the Dechen Draphu above the temple, is one of the four cliffs (Drak) prophesied by Guru Rinpoche to Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
The cliff looks remarkable with the main statue of Guru Rinpoche himself flanked by two Khandros housed inside a glass box. Inside the cave, we can see the footprints of an elephant. There’s also an imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s Dharma robe. Then on the tip of the cave, you will see Guru’s hat. On the left side, you can see Guru’s Vajra and Khandro’s Yoni. There is also a chorten said to have been built by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and several sacred sites near the rock cavern.
Behind the cave is a cliff with the imprint of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. You can circumambulate the cave. The footpath around the sacred cave was constructed by the lam of the Dechen Draphu Nye with volunteers’ help, including the scouts.
There is a newly built temple here. You can contact Lam Rinchen Dorji at 17943956.
Also Read: The 4 Sacred Cliffs of Guru Rinpoche Entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo
Best Time to Visit Dechendraphu Ney
Dechen Draphu is one of the most sacred sites but is rarely visited, owing to the distance and difficult road access. Although you can visit Dechen Draphu any time of the year, the best time would be during the winter and spring. We recommend you drive a car with good clearance and off-road capabilities. A 4WD during rainy days from Tekizampa is recommended. Motorcycle adventure is the best recommendation for your perfect adventurous experience.
You can visit many major pilgrimage sites of Bhutan with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
