Chimi Lhakhang
Punakha
Chimi Lhakhang is a distinctive Buddhist monastery located near Lobesa in Punakha District, Bhutan. Founded in 1499 by the Drukpa Kagyu lama Ngawang Chogyal, it stands on a round hillock known locally as the 'breast of a woman' due to its shape. The monastery is renowned for its association with Lama Drukpa Kunley, the 'Mad Saint,' who blessed the site and introduced phallic symbols as talismans to ward off evil and promote fertility. The modest square building features a golden yellow roof and a golden spire, with prayer wheels lining its exterior walls embedded with carved images of saints. Inside, the prayer hall houses tantric paraphernalia, thangkas, bells, drums, and statues including a reclining figure of Lama Kunley and his dog Sachi. Pilgrims, especially women seeking blessings for children, participate in unique rituals involving a wooden phallus used by the presiding Lama to bless visitors. The monastery is also decorated with vibrant frescoes depicting Kunley's colorful life and teachings. The site includes a small chorten marking where a demoness was subdued by Lama Kunley, adding to the spiritual significance of the location. The surrounding village features houses adorned with phallic paintings, continuing the tradition established by Lama Kunley.
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Consejo: Visitors should plan for a 20-minute walk from the nearby village of Sopsokha along a path through agricultural fields. The best time to visit is during dry weather to avoid muddy trails. It is recommended to respect local customs, especially the fertility blessing rituals. Tickets may be obtained locally, and visitors should inquire about guided tours or blessings in advance. Modest attire is advised when entering the monastery. No specific ticket prices are mentioned, but some discounts may be available for groups or pilgrims.
Datos interesantes
- •The monastery houses the original wooden phallus brought from Tibet by Lama Drukpa Kunley, used in fertility blessings.
- •Prayer flags line the path leading to the monastery, creating a colorful pilgrimage route.
- •Houses in the nearby village are painted with phallic symbols, a tradition started by Lama Kunley to ward off evil spirits.
- •Lama Drukpa Kunley was known as the 'Mad Saint' for his unorthodox and humorous teaching style, including the use of sexual symbolism.
- •Pilgrims seeking children participate in a ritual involving picking bamboo slips with baby names from the altar.
Historia
Chimi Lhakhang was founded in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal, the 14th abbot of Ralung Monastery.
The site was blessed by his cousin, Lama Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529), known for his unconventional teaching methods and promotion of phallic symbolism as spiritual protection.
Over centuries, the monastery has maintained its unique traditions and remains a pilgrimage site for fertility blessings.
The small chorten near the entrance marks the spot where Lama Kunley subdued a demoness, a key event in the monastery's founding legend.
Guía del lugar
Prayer Hall1499
The central room of the monastery featuring tantric paraphernalia such as thangkas, bells, drums, and horns. The altar holds a reclining statue of Lama Kunley and a ceramic statue of his dog Sachi, alongside images of Zhabdrung, Sakyamuni Buddha, and Chenresig.
Chorten near EntranceEarly 16th century
A small stupa marking the place where Lama Kunley subdued a demoness, symbolizing the spiritual power of the site.
Exterior Phallic Symbols and Prayer Wheels
The monastery's exterior walls are embedded with carved slates depicting saints and lined with prayer wheels. The phallic symbols painted on nearby village houses and flying wooden phalluses on eaves are part of the protective traditions initiated by Lama Kunley.
Contacto
Teléfono: 17 78 92 78