Dungchen Menchu in Dagana, known for its healing properties, will soon be redeveloped with better facilities. The work is expected to begin by the end of this year. The site was once developed in 2022, but was left abandoned. The menchu is located in Tseza Gewog, just below Daga Dzong.
The spring water is said to have originated from a tunnel where a sacred trumpet, or Dungchen, was once discovered.
The trumpet is said to have miraculously flown to Dekiling Goenpa in Kana Gewog of Dagana. The sacred Dungchen is now at the Chizhi Goenpa in Thimphu.
Currently, even the road to the site, around five minutes’ drive from the Daga Dzong, is often blocked by the monsoon rain.
Kinley Namgay, a resident said, “The menchu, spring water is said to have come out from a sacred site, so it has been considered medicinal since olden days. However, if you go there, it is a bit troublesome and there is no place for people to stay.”
Tshering Wangchuk, Dagana Rabdhey secretary, said, “If you drink the water and also wash your body with it, it is said to cleanse your inner and outer defilement. That’s the belief. The water is different because it emerges from between rocks without a visible source. Therefore, because of the water, visitors, including international tourists, come to the site.”
According to the Culture Officer of Dagana, during the Daga Dzong reconstruction, soaking facilities and toilets were built at the site using the excess budget from the reconstruction project.
However, with no caretaker assigned, the facilities were neglected and eventually fell into disuse.
With a budget of Nu 3 M, the administration is planning to build a new facility with proper management.
Tshewang Dorji, the culture officer said, “In a nearby field, we are planning to build a stone bath soaking facility, toilets, changing rooms and a canteen or restaurant. If possible, we also want to build a place for people to stay and a camping site.”
He added that the administration will consult residents, youth and local government regarding the development works.
Besides attracting more tourists, the new facilities are also expected to create jobs and business opportunities for the community.
Singye Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
