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The Divine Fertility Temple – Chimi Lhakhang

One of Bhutan‘s best temples and also most unique temples is Chimi Lhakhang which is on top of a hillock, a few kilometers before Punakha. The temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, fondly known as ‘Divine Madman’ because of his non-conventional and ‘outrageous’ style of teaching. He was a social critic and openly challenged the hypocrisy of the established orders. Thus, his use of the Phallus (Penis) as a ‘flaming thunderbolt’ weapon symbolizes the discomfort that society experiences while facing the truth.

This extraordinary temple is popularly known to be the fertility temple among many and is frequented by childless couples and others alike for blessings. A wooden effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the temple, and childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing or empowerment) from the saint. Newborns are also brought here to be named.