Tshechu dra is one of the “four cliffs” entrusted by Guru Rinpoche to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in his prophetic vision located on the other side of Goen Tshephu in Panikong village under Gasa Dzongkhag.
Guru Rimpoche flew from Goen Tshephu Ney to Tshechu dra, where he is said to have extracted longevity water for the benefit of sentient beings. Tshechu means “longevity water” and Dra means “cliff“. Thus, Tshechudra translates to a cliff of longevity water.
How to Reach Tshechu Dra
Before the route reaches Goen Dambji, you must travel 42 kilometers from Punakha Dzong to Panikong village. From there, it takes an hour to Tshechudra Ney.
Sacred Relics to See at Tshechu dra
- A spot to make a mandala offering;
- A cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated;
- Guru Rinpoche’s seat;
- Amrita streaming out of three spots;
- Cymbals, bells, vajra (Dorje), horns, Jaling, and other instruments;
- The oath-bound protector (dam can) cliff.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
Historical Significance of Tshechudra
Following a prophetic direction from the Dharma lord Tsangpa Gyare, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo traveled to Taktsang Senge Samdrup Dzong in the thirteenth century.
Guru Rinpoche appeared to him in an unmistakable clear vision as he was meditating in Taktsang Palphug 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 (sgrub pa’i rgyal msthan) in all of these.”
According to the biography of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, Tshechudra 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 Dechendrak in Wangdue Phodrang. It is said that anyone meditating in this place will achieve enlightenment in one’s life.
Phajo Drugom Zhigpo meditated in these areas to fulfill Guru Rinpoche’s promise of saving sentient beings from suffering via the teaching of Drukpa Kagyud. In the biography of Phajo, “The Current of Compassion”, it is mentioned, “At Duetsi Drak, Guru Rinpoche meditated for one month during which four Khandroms- female gods conducted feast offering to Guru Rimpoche. It was marked by auspicious signs like drizzling of immortal rain for three days.
Description of Tshechudra
Tshechu Drak is a cliff (བྲག) with a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. There is a sacred entry (ney go) and a spot to make a mandala offering on the approach to Tshechudra. When you get to Tshechudra, there is a cave where the Panikong people make feast offerings regularly. There is a source of longevity water (Tsechu), believed to be immortal nectar if you go up from an entry to the sacred area on the other side of the cliff.
You can observe Amrita (duetsi) streaming out of three spots if you descend from this side of Tshechudra. Cymbals, bells, vajra (dorje), horns, jaling, and other instruments can be found inside the cave. The oath-bound protector (dam can) cliff lies on the other side of the living water source, and Guru Rinpoche has a seat on another cliff just around the bend.
There is also a newly built community Lhakhang. The main statue of Tshechu Drak Lhakhang is Chenrigzi. On the 10th day of the lunar calendar, a Ganachakra Feast Gathering (tshokhor) rite is celebrated at Tshechudra. Locals of both Chazhi and Goen Tshephu believe that Phajo Drugom Zhigpo stayed there for a month conducting Ganacakra of the Four Types of mKha’-’gro-mas, and for three days a rain of nectar fell from the sky.
Best Time to Visit Tshechudra
A pilgrimage to Tshechudra can be made at any time of year. It is also possible to go on pilgrimage during the peak summer months, although it is not encouraged due to the unpredictability of the weather in the hilly terrain. Winters are severely cold, and excessive snowfall blocks certain highways, making travel extremely dangerous.
As a result, early spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are the best times to visit this sacred cliff of Guru Padmasambhava.
You can contact the site managers of Tshechu Drak Mr. Chado and Mrs. Rinchen at 17320925 and 17409945 respectively.
Accommodation at Tshechu Drak
Village Home Stay at Gasa.
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