Temple Of The Divine Madman
About Temple Of The Divine Madman
The Temple of the Divine Madman (Chimi Lhakhang) was built in 1499. You can reach it by walking a half-hour from the main road in the Punakha valley. This is a must-see for women who are infertile, or for those just needing a good giggle. Although you should NEVER giggle on front of the main resident monk... you have been warned! Pay an offering and the ceremony begins. A monk made me bow to four corners and kneel before a giant covered phallus. I then had to drink three different liquids, one being an odd yellow water. I was given a small red book and told to pick a thread thus discovering my lucky number: 11. Another book showed the name of the baby girl I would bare within a year: Chimi Wongmo. And finally... I was whacked in the head with the Divine Madman's wooden phallus. Never fear guys, you'll get whacked too. A run around the temple with two more phallic symbols and the ceremony was complete. I was fertile!
The Divine Madman is known as a local folk hero in Bhutan. Born in 1455 in Tibet, he traveled around and did some pretty outrageous things with his well-endowed um... yeah.
Should you trek to Laya, one of Bhutan's highest cities, you will walk past many Bhutanese homes with the Divine Madman's phallus painted near the entrance, some even with ascots! They are used to ward off evil spirits. Stone versions can also be found in the fields to promote a healthy crop. If you are lucky enough, a local might even carve you a lifelike wooden phallus.
The Divine Madman is known as a local folk hero in Bhutan. Born in 1455 in Tibet, he traveled around and did some pretty outrageous things with his well-endowed um... yeah.
Should you trek to Laya, one of Bhutan's highest cities, you will walk past many Bhutanese homes with the Divine Madman's phallus painted near the entrance, some even with ascots! They are used to ward off evil spirits. Stone versions can also be found in the fields to promote a healthy crop. If you are lucky enough, a local might even carve you a lifelike wooden phallus.
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Oct 12, 2008
The Temple of the Divine Madman (Chimi Lhakhang) was built in 1499. You can reach it by walking a half-hour from the main road in the Punakha valley. This is a must-see for women who are infertile, or for those just needing a good giggle. Although you should NEVER giggle on front of the main resident monk... you have been warned ! Pay an offering and the ceremony begins. A monk made me bow to four corners and kneel before a giant covered phallus. I then had to drink three different liquids, one being an odd yellow water. I was given a small red book and told to pick a thread thus discovering my lucky number: 11. Another book showed the name of the baby girl I would bare within a year: Chimi Wongmo. And finally... I was whacked in the head with the Divine Madman's wooden phallus. Never fear guys, you'll get whacked too. A run around the temple with two more phallic symbols and the ceremony was complete. I was fertile!
The Divine Madman is known as a local folk hero in Bhutan. Born in 1455 in Tibet, he traveled around and did some pretty outrageous things with his well-endowed um... yeah.
Should you trek to Laya, one of Bhutan's highest cities, you will walk past many Bhutanese homes with the Divine Madman's phallus painted near the entrance, some even with ascots! They are used to ward off evil spirits. Stone versions can also be found in the fields to promote a healthy crop. If you are lucky enough, a local might even carve you a lifelike wooden phallus.
The Divine Madman is known as a local folk hero in Bhutan. Born in 1455 in Tibet, he traveled around and did some pretty outrageous things with his well-endowed um... yeah.
Should you trek to Laya, one of Bhutan's highest cities, you will walk past many Bhutanese homes with the Divine Madman's phallus painted near the entrance, some even with ascots! They are used to ward off evil spirits. Stone versions can also be found in the fields to promote a healthy crop. If you are lucky enough, a local might even carve you a lifelike wooden phallus.
Aug 10, 2011
‘The temple of fertility’ – a temple dedicated to procreation! Its one of the most revered places in Bhutan where childless couples come to pray for the gift of the child. It was set up by Drupa Kinley the ‘Divine Madman’ whose philosophy on religion and abstinence were little different from what you would think of a monk. The temple is situated on a small hilltop and can be accessed by a kilometer long hike through the farms. The round trip – to the temple and back will take almost an hour and a half.
The landscape is so beautiful as if painted. Inside the temple you can ask the lama to bless you with Kinley’s bow and arrow and wooden phallus. The phallus is denoted as the symbol of fertility and prosperity and an image is often found painted on the outerwalls of houses. Kapil did manage to take a couple of photos without looking too conspicuous, but I am sure that the locals are used to this by now.
The landscape is so beautiful as if painted. Inside the temple you can ask the lama to bless you with Kinley’s bow and arrow and wooden phallus. The phallus is denoted as the symbol of fertility and prosperity and an image is often found painted on the outerwalls of houses. Kapil did manage to take a couple of photos without looking too conspicuous, but I am sure that the locals are used to this by now.
Oct 28, 2008
A short walk in to this temple through the rice fields is well worth it. And, anyone having fertility issues will have to be sure to receive a blessing while here! Gorgeous place. I was there in October and the rice was bright yellow and ready for harvest...gorgeous...
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