PLACES TO VISIT IN PUNAKHA EP 4: FERTILITY TEMPLE

Greetings Travellers,

Have you heard of the divine madman of Bhutan? Are you aware of the fertility temple in Punakha? If not, this blog is for you. I am Kinga and in this blog, you can find the details regarding Chimi Lhakhang.

Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the "Fertility Temple," is a revered Buddhist monastery located near Lobesa in the Punakha District of Bhutan. Built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa, Ngawang Choegyel, the temple was established to honor the eccentric and beloved saint, Drukpa Kunley, known as the "Divine Madman." Drukpa Kunley is famous for his unconventional teachings and methods, often using humor, songs, and outrageous behavior to convey his spiritual messages. The temple stands as a symbol of fertility, and it is particularly known for its blessings for couples seeking to conceive.

Over the years, Chimi Lhakhang has become a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists. Visitors often seek blessings from the temple's phallus-shaped wooden and metal symbols, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The temple's caretaker performs a ritual where visitors are tapped on the head with a 10-inch wooden phallus and a bow and arrow, both of which are said to have been used by Drukpa Kunley. This ritual is especially sought after by childless couples hoping for fertility blessings. Additionally, the temple's vibrant murals depicting the life and teachings of Drukpa Kunley, as well as its picturesque location amidst rice paddies and traditional Bhutanese villages, make it a serene and culturally enriching destination.

In recent years, Chimi Lhakhang has continued to attract visitors from around the world, drawn by its unique spiritual heritage and the promise of blessings. The temple also plays an essential role in the local community, with ongoing religious activities, festivals, and maintenance efforts to preserve its historical and cultural significance. Efforts to maintain the temple and its surroundings have ensured that Chimi Lhakhang remains a vital part of Bhutan's spiritual landscape, embodying the enduring legacy of the Divine Madman and his teachings on compassion, joy, and the unconventional paths to enlightenment.

Journey:
From Thimphu to Punakha, it is a 2-3 hour journey. Once at the side of the road, you can take the footpath and walk for 30-45 minutes to reach the temple. The footpath leading to the temple is through paddyfields. Along the route, you can witness traditional bhutanese houses, handicraft shops and lots of pictures of Phallus. Phallus in Bhutan is considered sacred and having the paintings of phallus on houses drives away illness & misfortunes. This is a must visit place as it is not only a tourist sightseeing place but a temple that hold great powers in blessing both fertile and infertile couples. 

WELCOME TO BHUTAN!