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List of hot springs and mineral springs of Bhutan

Background

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In Bhutan, hot spring is locally known as Tshachu and the mineral water as Drubchu. There is another kind of water known as smenchu (medicinal water). Spiritually, it is believed that tshachu, drubchu and smenchu owe their origin to the good wishes and blessings of Buddhas and Boddhisattavas. Hence, most of these types of water are found in the areas of gNyes (sacred sites). Tshachu is the most popular one among the Bhutanese. In some countries, hot springs are commonly used for recreation and relaxation; in Bhutan hot spring soaking is mainly used for balenotheraputic purposes as a therapy for treating diseases.[1][2]

Mindful of the health benefits that tshachu deliver to the Bhutanese people, the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services documented and classified the tshachu according to the therapeutic properties described in the ancient gSo-ba Rig-pa textbook. According to this textbook, tshachu contain a combination of rdo-sol (coal), mu-zi (sulphur) and rdo-sho (limestone). Because of the presence of these minerals most of the tshachu have medicinal value. In 2007, Wangchuk and Dorji first reported on the history and spiritual benefits of tshachus in Bhutan and also provided a list of popular tshachus. In 2011, Wangchuk gave detailed explanation and description of different types of tshachu, drubchu and smenchu in his book chapter on 'An Indigenous Panacea of Bhutan' written for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bhutan, Paro Museum. In 2014, Wangdi and Wangdi described a list of tshachus and drubchus, which are provided below. [3] [4]

Two oral traditions of Bhutan are associated with the thermal springs of Gasa Tsachu. There is a belief from the c. 13th century that Drupthop Terkhungpa "scattered 128 varieties of medicines in Gasa, from which 128 hot springs and mineral springs were formed. Another belief is that Zhapdrung Ngakwang Namgyel (1594–1651) arrived in Gasa, he visited the hot springs which relieved his fatigue and joint pain. Dendup Norzang is the local deity of Gasa Tsachu; originally a "wrathful demon" he later became a "peaceful dharma protector.[5]

It is free of charge to visit the hot springs of Bhutan, however any spa-type treatments, or facilities at hotels near the springs are not.[6]

Hot springs

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Mineral springs

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Drupchhu or Holy Spring Waters in Bhutan: Beliefs and Benefits". Bhutan Pilgrimage. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Ping, Chow (8 April 2022). "The hot springs of Bhutan are believed to have miraculous healing properties". Daily Bhutan. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  3. ^ {Wangchuk, P., Dorji, Y. 2007. Historical Roots, Spiritual Significance and the Health Benefits of mKhempa-lJong gNyes Tshachu (hot spring) in Lhuntshe. Journal of Bhutan Studies, Vol. 16, Summer Issue, pp. 112-128.Accessed from: http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/jbs/pdf/JBS_16_04.pdf
  4. ^ {Wangchuk, P. 2011. Healing through spirituality, waters and herbs: an indigenous panacea of Bhutan. Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bhutan, Paro Museum, Bhutan.
  5. ^ "Gasa Tsachu: The Hot Springs of Gasa". Mandala. Bhutan Cultural Library. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  6. ^ a b Denkar, Tshering (5 April 2021). "The popularity of hot springs and hot stone baths in Bhutan". Daily Bhutan. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  7. ^ "Dungchen Menchu". Tourism Council of Bhutan. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  8. ^ "Gewo Menchu (Medicinal Water Bath)". TUSHITA ECO-VENTURES. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  9. ^ "Gasa: Bhutan Raven Nest Tours And Treks". www.bhutanravennest.com. Retrieved 21 September 2016.

Further reading

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Phurpa Wangchuk; Karma Yeshi; Karma Ugyen; Jigme Dorji;, Karma Wangdi; Samten; Phurba Tshering; and Ari Satia Nugraha. Water-Based Therapies of Bhutan: Current Practices and the Recorded Clinical Evidence of Balneotherapy, Water Journal, 2021, Volume 13, Issue 9.

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