Drupchhu (གྲུབ་ཆུ་) or holy spring waters are considered to be filled with blessed water, often extracted from a cliff by a spiritual person. They may or may not have medicinal value but they are attributed to great spiritual power to bless and liberate anyone who drinks it from suffering.
People have long used holy spring water or Drupchhu as a spiritual blessing for drinking and bathing. Many important religious sites in Bhutan have a sacred spring water in proximity often attributed to the founder of the place.
In Bhutan, a holy spring water is called Drupchhu. Bhutan has 17 holy spring water (Drupchhu), 10 hot springs (Tshachu), and 17 medicinal water or mineral springs (Menchu). These spring waters are widely recognized as the most popular and spiritually significant.
The Bhutanese have used holy waters for generations to drink as a blessing and wash to cleanse one’s sins (dig-pa) and defilements (drib). Drupchhu is also carried as a gift for others. Many holy spring waters are said to be extracted by Guru Rinpoche.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
Bhutanese Beliefs on Holy Spring Water or Drupchhu
There are 17 holy water sources distributed all over Bhutan. Holy spring waters in Bhutan are associated with the spiritual power and blessings of Buddhist masters. These spring waters are believed to have been extracted by a spiritual person of high stature using his or her power to perform miracles. Many holy spring waters are believed to have been miraculously unearthed by enlightened beings or sages (Drupthobs). It is believed that holy water emerges from the ground due to the asceticism and blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Thus, Bhutanese believe holy water is sacred and can cleanse one’s sins (dig-pa) and defilements (drib).
A few holy spring waters are unearthed by some great saints in drought-stricken villages afflicted by deadly disease, or in places of legendary and sacred temples. The springs are often found near a holy site and associated with the founder of the site. The Kurjey Drupchu, for example, is located next to the Kurjey Lhakhang and is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpoche.
Also Read: Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left an Impression of his Body
Some holy waters are known to offer numerous spiritual and medicinal benefits. For instance, the Tsheringma Drupchhu of Tshangkha village in Trongsa district is believed to have been established by the deity of longevity (goddess—Tshe-ring-ma) and thus, drinking or bathing in it is believed to enhance one’s longevity. Bhutanese people also believe this spring water can produce a melodious voice, a quality usually desired by singers. The people of Tshangkha village who live near the Tsheringma holy water have a particularly melodious voice since it is their primary source of drinking water.
The Dobdrek Drupchhu of Dobji Dzong was unearthed by a Tibetan Saint, Jetsun Milarepa (1040-1123), and residents nearby believe that its origin is Druk Ralung in the Western Tibetan region of China. Another healing water of Bartsham in the east under Trashigang district is Jomorichu Drupchhu, which Ama Jomo said to have been established and blessed. This lake deity is also considered Nor-Lha. This holy spring water is said to bring wealth.
Holy Spring Waters in Bhutan
- Bartsham Drupchhu
- Dechenphug Drupchhu
- Dhobdrek Drupchhu
- Dhodhey Drak Drupchhu
- Drubthob Nga gi Rinchen Drupchhu
- Jomorichu Drupchhu
- Khamphug Drupchhu
- Khandro Drowa Zangmoi Othoe Drupchhu
- Kurje Drupchhu
- Pelzo Gyem Drupchhu
- Taktshang Drupchhu
- Tamchoe Drupchhu
- Tango Drupchhu
- Terton Peling Drupchhu
- Thuji Drak Drupchhu
- Tsheringma Drupchhu
- Woolha Gyalp Drupchhu
Chemical Compositions of Holy Spring Waters or Drupchhu
The chemical composition of spring water may vary in many other ways depending on its geological origin. The chemical compositions of holy spring waters include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals such as iron, zinc, and aluminum. They also contain chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, sulfide, nitrate, borate, phosphate, fluoride, and iodide. Holy spring waters also have dissolved gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, radon, helium, and other noble gases.
However, no scientific geochemical investigations have been conducted on the holy spring waters of Bhutan to estimate the mineral concentration of these rocks.
Ethnopharmacological Benefits of Holy Spring Water or Drupchhu
The common ethnopharmacological uses of Drupchhu or holy springs are for cleansing sins and blasphemies. Holy water is known for its purging and healing properties. Though all the sacred spring waters are generally used for cleansing, a few are believed to have healing benefits too.
For instance, Dobdrek Drupchhu is used to heal stomach inflammation, headaches, wounds, tumors, warts, and blood pressure. It is also used as tonic water. Likewise, Kurje Drupchhu is believed to treat eye disorders, wounds, and mental disorders.
Also Read: Kurjey Drupchhu, the Holy Water that Cures all Diseases
Bartsham and Biddung villages use Jomorichu Drupchhu against tumors, headaches, and general ailments.
Tsheringma Drupchhu is sought to treat throat-related disorders and for progressing melodious voice while Thuji Drak Drupchhu is believed to be a remedy for people with speech difficulty.
Also Read: Thuji Dra, the Cliff of Compassion where Phajo had a Vision of Chenrezig
Best Time to Visit Holy Spring Water or Drupchhu
Holy water is a perennial source, seeping from underneath the ground or trickling down a cliff. The volume or flow of water remains consistent and unchanged regardless of the season. There is no better time to visit any holy spring waters in Bhutan. You can visit any time of the year. However, Bhutanese people usually visit holy spring water when they visit the sacred sites associated with it.
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