Kurjey Drupchhu is a holy spring water created by Guru Rinpoche to heal the ailing Sindhu Raja in the 8th century near Kurje 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 in the eighth century. In the 8th century, the Indian prince Sendha Gyab was sent into exile from India, eventually making his way into Bhutan and becoming the ruler of the Bumthang area. Once Sindhu Raja became the ruler of the Bumthang area, he had a conflict with a king to the south, known as Naochhe, or ‘Big Nose’.
Before sending his troops—one of whom was his son—into war with Naochhe, Sindhu Raja prayed to (pre-Buddhist) local deities to protect his soldiers, specifically praying for his son’s safety. However, Sindhu Raja’s son was killed during the fighting, causing Sindhu to become resentful of the local deities.
Sindhu Raja ordered his men to destroy religious sites, angering the local deities, especially the chief local protective deity, Shelging Karpo. Shelging Karpo thus aimed to kill Sindhu Raja, stealing his ‘life essence’, or his soul. As a result, Sindhu Raja slowly 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
As a final effort, one of Sindhu Raja’s ministers invited Guru Rinpoche, hoping he could heal Sindhu Raja. Guru Rinpoche’s supernatural powers were well known throughout the Himalayan region. Once he arrived in Bumthang, Guru Rinpoche traveled to a cave above Sindhu Raja’s castle to meditate, which he did for three months.
While Guru stayed in deep contemplation, Khandro did the household chores and helped lay out the ritual edifies. Guru pierced the Vajra Piled Red Cave, which hit the palace of the Naga King and shook it. Lui Gyalpo Pemachen knowing it was the work of Guru Rinpoche humbly responded asking 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 (གསེར་གྱི་གྷ་ཌ) 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, the spider dissolved from the King’s crown and after drinking the holy water (drowa Drenpai Chhu), the king got alright.
Since then, people from all walks of life have strongly believed that Kurje is the most sacred site and the Kurje Drupchhu is the holiest of all waters. With unwavering devotion, people drink this holy water and use it to take a bath to treat various diseases. Because of this, travelers passing via Bumthang make it a point to collect it and take it as a gift.
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 travel from all over the world to Kurje to seek the blessings of holy water. Every day, thousands flock to fetch the sacred water, renowned for its healing properties. 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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