Although the Dungchen Menchu in Dagana is known for its multiple healing power, the stone bath spring, which is believed to have an association with Guru Rinpoche, is not able to attract visitors. This is despite the district administration constructing an access road to the spring, last year. The problem is that the bathtubs the district administration installed a few years ago can barely be used now.
It only takes around five minutes to get to the stone bath spring located at Tseza Gewog below Daga Dzong. It flows through a tunnel in the middle of a cliff. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche hid a giant trumpet or Dungchhen as a treasure inside the cliff. The trumpet is said to have later miraculously flown away to Dekiling Lhakhang at Karna Gewog in the same district creating a hollow tunnel through which the spring started flowing out. The Dungchen is housed presently at the Chizhi Goenpa in Thimphu.
People believe that it cures headache, stomach pain, knee and joint pain, ulcer and many other illnesses.
The Dagana district administration installed four bathtubs and constructed toilets in front of the spring a few years ago to encourage visitors. However, they are now in poor condition and not serving their purpose.
The occasional visitors only get to wash their head in the spring and fetch it in bottles to take home.
“It would be better if new bathtubs and toilets are constructed a few meters away from here. And initiating tree plantations nearby will help stop the spring from drying up. This will ensure that it is there to cure all sorts of illnesses,” said Kado, a resident.
“The facilities constructed by the community contractor a few years ago have not lasted long. We are not pleased with work executed by the community contractors. Experienced and established contractors should take up such developmental works,” said Phub Gyeltshen, another resident.
The district economic development officer said that bathtubs are urgently required at the spring and the district administration attempted several times to construct them but there was no adequate budget. However, the official said, works are ongoing to include the construction works in the upcoming Five Year Plan.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Kipchu
