Kurjey Drupchhu is a holy spring water created by Guru Rinpoche to heal the ailing Sindhu Raja in the 8th century near Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang Dzongkhag. According to locals, the holy water cures all sorts of diseases.
How to Reach Kurjey Drupchhu
The Kurjey Drupchhu is located near Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang 5 km from Jakar town at an altitude of 2800 masl. It takes only 15 minutes by car to reach Kurjey Lhakhang.
Historical Significance of Kurje Drupchhu
The holy water has a long history, dating back to Guru Rimpoche’s visit to Bhutan. History has it that after being exiled from India, the Indian prince Sendha Gyab, also known as Sindhuraja, eventually entered Bhutan and took control of the Bumthang region.
After Sindhu Raja became the king of the Kingdom of Bumthang, he clashed with Naochhe, also called “Big Nose,” a king to the south. Before sending his troops—one of whom was his son—into war with Naochhe, King Sindhu Raja of Bumthang prayed to local deities to protect his soldiers, specifically his son.
However, Sindhu Raja’s son was killed during the war, and that caused Sindhu to become angry at the local deities. Sindhu Raja then ordered his men to destroy sites of local deities. This act, in turn, angered the chief local protective deity, Shelging Karpo. Shelging Karpo thus stole the soul of Sindhu Raja to kill him. As a result, Sindhu Raja became ill and could not be healed by any astrologers or local shamans.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
The Invitation of Guru Rinpoche to Bumthang
In a final attempt to treat Sindhu Raja, one of his ministers invited Guru Rinpoche, whose extraordinary abilities were well known across the Himalayan region.
Guru Rinpoche spent three months meditating in a cave above Sindhu Raja’s Palace after reaching Bumthang. During the meditation, Guru Rinpoche pierced the Vajra Piled Red Cave, which hit the palace of the Naga King and shook it. Lui Gyalpo Pemachen knowing it was Guru Rinpoche humbly asked what service he should offer.
To this, Guru said, “I need Chhu Drowa Drenpa, an elixir that would liberate all sentient beings“. The Naga king did not understand what it meant and asked what it was. Guru said, “It is the mixture of 9 different glasses of water”. The Naga King understood it and said he would offer.
Then, on the morning of the 7th day after this, Guru told Khandro, “Today we will exhibit the miracle of our achievement. Lhachig Bumden, you take the golden container Gahta and go in the direction of north-west where there is a small crag. From there holy water will come out. Before it touched the ground, hold the container and receive it.” As Khandro arrived there, as destiny would have it, the holy water (Kurje Drupchhu) gushed out and Khandro received it in her container instantly, five Dakinis appeared and each Dakini held the same container.
Also Read: Drupchhu or Holy Spring Waters in Bhutan: Beliefs and Benefits
Guru Padmasambhava and Khandro rushed to Chagkhar Gyalpo Sindhu Raja’s bed carrying the holy water and the king’s life force. Guru opened the skin and the king inhaled his breath. Then the King was cured after drinking the holy water.
Also Read: Kurjey Lhakhang, a Cave of the Red Cliff where Guru Rinpoche left an Impression of his Body
Ethnopharmacological Uses and Benefits of Kurjey Drupchhu
People in Bhutan believe that Kurjey Drupchhu is the holiest of all waters that cured the ailing King Sindhu Raja. Therefore, they travel from all over the country to Kurjey to seek the blessings of holy water. Every day, thousands flock to fetch the sacred waters. Kurjey Drupchhu is popular for treating eye, wounds, and mental disorders. The holy spring is also thought to aid in the relief of body aches.
Best Time to Visit Kurje Drupchu
If you intend to fetch Kurje Drubchu (holy water), plan it for the weekdays. This is because many people come to fetch the Drubchu on weekends.
People with containers ranging from empty mineral water bottles to 20-litre jerry cans form long queues every Saturday and Sunday. The crowd fetching the Drubchu indicates that almost everyone in Chamkhar drinks Kurje Drubchu, and some even cook with it.
People from other places who visit Bumthang also make a point to see and take the Drubchu.
Many monks from monasteries like Kharchu Dratshang and Jakar Lhakhang collect Drubchu, which they offer as Yoenchab (water offering).
The Business of Kurjey Drupchhu
Since its inception in 2009, the water bottling plant in “Kurje Drupchhu” has done brisk business. Through sedimentation and filtration, the plant bottles water directly from the Kurje Drupchhu source and sells it in the market.
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