The 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo are Dechen Drak, Gomdrak, Thujidrak, and Tshechudrak. Guru Rinpoche visited Bhutan three times in the 8th century and blessed the land as Beyul. Today, the blessed places have become sacred sites for Buddhist pilgrimage in Bhutan.
According to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo’s biography, Guru Rinpoche entrusted Phajo with his Twelve Meditation Places in a prophetic vision while meditating in Paro Taktsang Sengye Samdrup Dzong.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
It is said that Guru Rinpoche appeared to Phajo in an unmistakable clear vision and said:
“I am entrusting to you twelve of my meditation places which consist of four Dzongs (Fortress), four Draks (cliffs), and four Phugs (caves); you have to plant the Victory Banner of Practice in all of these.”
Among the twelve meditation sites where Guru Rinpoche personally meditated are the four great cliffs that he entrusted Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in a prophetic vision in the 13th century.
Also Read: Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in Bhutan: The Sacred Sites of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his Descendants
The 4 great meditation cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo
The 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo are:
1. DechenDrak, one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo
Dechen Draphu, the “Cliff of Great Bliss,” is one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. This sacred cliff is located at 3,053 meters in Sha Khotakha, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag. It is said that Phajo received the vision of the Mandala of Eight Precepts, signifying the spread of Drukpa Kagyu teachings in Bhutan.
The holy site features several sacred relics, including a cliff cave where Guru Rinpoche has meditated, imprints of his Dharma robe and hat, and footprints of his riding elephant. You can also find a chorten built by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13th century.
Dechen Draphu Nye is accessible via a half-hour drive from Rinchenling Shedra junction or an hour from Khothangkha Dolangdo. The site is open from 7 AM to 5 PM and the best time to visit is during winter or spring. Despite its sacredness, Dechen Draphu remains relatively unexplored due to its remote location.
2. GomDrak, one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo
Gomdra, the “Enlightenment Place,” is one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. This sacred cliff is located in Paro at over 2200 meters above sea level. It is said that Phajo Drugom Zhigpo meditated on the Gomdralo cliff and experienced clear light day and night.
The sacred cliff features several important relics, including a Sleeping Buddha, a statue of Guru Rinpoche, and various sacred caves and Chortens. It also features a small temple complex built upon a meditation cliff cave dating back to the 8th century.
Gomdra monastery is accessible via a 40-minute hike from a nearby road point. The ideal seasons for visiting Gomdra Nye are spring and autumn when weather conditions are more favorable.
Read More: Gomdra, the “enlightenment place” where Phajo Drugom Zhigpo experienced clear light day and night
3. ThujiDrak, one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo
Thuji Dra, the “Cliff of Compassion”, is one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. This sacred cliff is in Thimphu at an elevation of 4,000 meters. It is said that Phajo Drugom Zhigpo had a vision of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
The holy site features a natural altar and a holy spring or Drupchhu, known for their healing properties, particularly for speech impediments. Thujidrak also has a temple built by Phajo in the 13th century that serves as a meditation center.
Thujidra can only be reached by hiking. It is a 5 km uphill hike from Thimphu and takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach Thuji Dra. The ideal times for hiking to Thujidra are during spring and autumn when the weather is more favorable.
4. TshechuDrak, one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo
Tshechu Dra, the “Cliff of Longevity Water,” is one of the 4 sacred cliffs of Guru Rinpoche entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. This sacred cliff is nestled in the Panikong village of Gasa Dzongkhag at an elevation of 2,335 meters. It is said that Phajo conducted Ganachakra of the Four Types of Khandromas, and for three days a rain of nectar fell from the sky.
The sacred site features spiritual relics, including meditation caves, self-arisen letters, and the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. The main attraction of Tshechudra is the Chimed Tse Duetsi or the longevity water of Guru Rinpoche flowing from the cliff.
Tshechu Dra is 42 kilometers from Punakha Dzong to Panikong village, followed by an hour’s trek. The ideal seasons for pilgrimage are early spring and autumn.
Conclusion
Guru Rinpoche’s visits to Bhutan in the 8th century established numerous sacred sites that continue to attract pilgrims today. The four great cliffs entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo—Dechen Drak, Gom Drak, Thuji Drak, and Tshechu Drak—serve as vital spiritual landmarks, each embodying unique relics from the Guru’s meditative practices.
You can visit many major pilgrimage sites of Bhutan with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
