Chimi Lhakhang: Most Visited Temple of Fertility in Bhutan

Sound strange! Right? Of the many spiritual figures of Bhutan, no one is as famous as Drukpa Kunley. His influence on the Bhutanese is so strong that today when you visit Bhutan, you will find paintings of several phallus over the buildings and walls of houses, inspired by the teaching of this divine madman – Drukpa Kunley.

But how can a monk be famed and called such absurd names? To find more continue reading or maybe you could just visit the fertility temple in Bhutan called Chimi Lhakhang and listen to the stories from the locals by yourself.

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Who is Drukpa Kunley?

The temple of Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley. His devotees have given him this unusual title because he was an avid follower of Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as a tantric form of Buddhism or “crazy wisdom”.

He chose the craziest ways to preach Buddhism in a very “unmonk-like fashion”. He portrayed himself as a traveling wanderer who used to hunt and eat on purpose to show that he was all above the standards and customs set by the humans. 

Drukpa Kunley enjoyed things like women, wine, dance, and writing naughty poetry, which shocked the traditional clergy. Despite his outrageous behavior, many regular people liked his teachings as they could relate them to their daily lifestyle. 

He even got the nickname ‘The Saint of 5,000 Women’ because he believed in bringing enlightenment through sex. He showed that you don’t have to be celibate to follow the Buddhist path. His unique way of teaching attracted a lot of followers, especially women, who still visit the monastery for his blessings.

The Divine Madman’s methods won the hearts of many in Bhutan, so much so that he is regarded as one of the most revered and followed saints. He is also known for making the Takin – the national animal of Bhutan by placing a deer’s head on the body of a cow.

Chimi Lhakhang is the place where the original wooden phallus is kept which the Divine Madman brought from Tibet. Hence, Drukpa Kuenley is associated with the phallic symbol.

Now you must be wondering, why Drukpa Kunley is particularly associated with the phallic symbol. Let’s find out.

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