Tsheringma Drupchhu is a holy spring water of the goddess Tsheringma in Zalamchu, Tshangkha of Tangsibji under Trongsa Dzongkhag at an altitude of 2300 meters. The common belief is that if the Tsheringma Drupchu is the first drop of water a child drinks, the child will grow up with a melodious voice.
The spring sprouts out from a small catchment area in the middle of a meadow on a hill believed to be the citadel of the local deity Dragpa Gyaltshen (also known as Seju Gentse or Agay Yosey). The residents of Tangsibji village revere the deity as their Kaylha (natal deity), Yuelha (village deity), and Dralha (protector deity). In earlier times, He is said to impregnate local girls and His offspring were known for their superhuman strength. Due to the reverence to the deity, the areas surrounding His citadel have minimal human interference.
How to Reach Tsheringma Drupchhu
Tsheringma Drubchu, the holy water of Tseringma is in Zalamchu right on the Wangdue-Trongsa highway before you hit the village of Tshangkha in Trongsa. Zalamchu is about 25km away from Trongsa towards Wangduephodrang.
Also Read: Drupchhu or Holy Spring Waters in Bhutan: Beliefs and Benefits
Historical Significance of Tsheringma Drupchhu
As per oral history, the second King, Jigme Wangchuck commanded a Tsipoem (lead singer) from Tangsibji to come and sing at the Kuenga Rabten Palace. On the last night before her journey, she dreamt of a woman dressed in white instructing her to visit the source of the spring known as “Ba-Khey-Thong-Sa”, a place where the bulls drink water, take a head shower, and drink the water before starting her journey to the palace. At dawn, she followed the instructions given in her dream and journeyed to the palace with her troupe.
It is said that during the performance of the Mangde Tangsibji Zhyem, a classical song believed to have originated from Tangsibji, her melodious voice even made the King weep. As a reward for her voice, the King gifted her wetland and other gifts.
Later, when the Padseling Trulku visited the village, the Tsipoem narrated her dream and the outcome to the Trulku. Based on significance, the Trulku confirmed the spring water as the holy water of goddess Tashi Tsheringma. Goddess Tsheringma is believed to be a mountain goddess who is the head of five Tshering sister goddesses. These goddesses were believed to be: war deities if high officials sought blessings of power; goddesses of wealth if people sought blessings of wealth; and goddesses of speech if people sought eloquence and a pleasing voice.
Even now, the village dance troupe visits the Tsheringma Drupchu to take a head shower and invoke the local deity, Agay Yosey before they venture out to perform on important occasions. The dancers would perform the Tangsibji Zhyem as an offering to appease and seek protection and guidance from the local deity.
Ethnopharmacological Uses and Benefits of Tsheringma Drupchhu
Tsheringma Drupchhu has spiritual and medicinal benefits. For instance, the holy water of Tsheringma is believed to have been established by the deity of longevity (goddess Tshe-ring-ma). Thus, drinking or bathing in it is believed to enhance longevity. The Bhutanese also believe that this spring water can produce a melodious voice, a quality usually desired by singers. It is said that people from Tshangkha village who live near the Tsheringma holy water have a particularly melodious voice since it is their primary source of drinking water.
For medicinal benefits, this holy water is sought to treat throat-related disorders.
Best Time to Visit Tsheringma Drubchhu
Since Tsheringma Drupchhu is channeled through a stupa on the road ahead, it is easily accessible for travelers. You can visit any time of the year. People usually visit this holy water while traveling along the Wangdue-Trongsa Highway.
