Overview:

Chhimi Lhakhang is a popular Buddhist temple in Bhutan, situated in the Haa district. It is commonly known as the “Divine Madman’s Monastery,” in reference to the madman saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” Drukpa Kuenley is credited with introducing Buddhism into Bhutan and is famous for his crazy and outrageous methods of teaching. People flock to Chhimi Lhakhang to receive “the fertility blessing” and to pray for good health and blessings. The temple houses several sacred artifacts, including a phallus which Drukpa Kuenley is said to have blessed and the bow and arrow he used to fight off evil spirits. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Office of The Divine Madman: Chhimi Lhakhang Temple is commonly known as the temple of the Divine Madman, where visitors can receive a blessing and a special fertility rite from the saint. 2. Unique Architecture: This Bhutanese temple is well-known for its two-faced structure, which is distinctive for looking different from branch to branch. 3. Unique Statues: The temple courtyard is home to unique statues that depict various figures, some of which are described as 'magical'. 4. Blessing Ritual: Tourists can experience a unique blessing ritual that is believed to bring good luck and fortune, after which visitors are awarded a special fertility rite from the Divine Madman. 5. Annual Festival: Every year, the Haa Valley celebrates the annual fertility festival of Chhimi Lhakhang, called the Chhimpshe Tangnya. The festivities involve traditional dances, offerings, and sacred rituals that last 3 days. 6. Incredible Views: Visitors to the temple can enjoy the stunning views of the Haa Valley, and surrounding mountains, that stretch out before them. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Chhimi Lhakhang Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the picturesque Haa Valley in Bhutan. The temple is said to have been built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman, in the 15th century. He is renowned for introducing a modified form of Buddhism to the people of Bhutan with clever humor and satire as well as his outrageous, often zealous, behavior. The temple is viewed as one of the most spiritually significant temple in all of Bhutan and is widely respected throughout the country. The main deity at the Chhimi Lhakhang Temple is an Ayu Guru, who is believed to be the manifestation of the Tibetan saint Padmasambhava in the form of a phallus. It is an unusual and unique representation of the Buddha, and is said to bring good luck, prosperity, and fertility to the followers. Legend also tells of Drukpa Kuenley subduing a demoness of Dochhu with his famous “flaming thunderbolt of wisdom” which was fashioned in the shape of a phallus. The temple, with its unique architecture, has become a popular pilgrimage site and destination for visitors to Bhutan. Every October, an annual fertility festival is held at Chhimi Lhakhang Temple to celebrate Drukpa Kuenley. The Temple is visited by hundreds of people who come to receive blessings in the form of Lama Kuenley's special fertility blessing of wooden phalluses. Prayers are offered and men and couples in search of good luck and fertility flock to the temple and carry the wooden phalluses around in a procession. The temple is open throughout the year but is especially busy in October when the Annual Fertility Festival is held. This festival is considered to be one of the most important religious events in Bhutan and can last up to two weeks. Today, Chhimi Lhakhang Temple is an important cultural site and a must-visit destination for visitors to Bhutan. See also * List of Buddhist temples in Bhutan * Drukpa Kunley * Fertility Festival You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Chhimi Lhakhang is located in the western part of Bhutan, in the small village of Sopsokha in Haa district. 2. It is also known as the Temple of Fertility, as it is believed that couples who visit the temple and receive a blessing from the divine Madman, will be able to conceive children. 3. The temple was built in the 15th century by the “Divine madman”, Drukpa Kunley, a saint known as the “Divine Madman of Bhutan”. 4. Kunley was known for his outrageous and unorthodox behavior, which included drinking, writing obscene poetry, and engraving his "crazy wisdom" on the walls of monasteries, temples, and public buildings. 5. There are several wall paintings and carvings in the temple depicting his outrageous activities. 6. The temple also houses several phalluses, which are believed to bestow fertility, wealth, and good luck onto those who visit. 7. Every year, a 2-day long festival known as the Chimi Lhakhang Drub is conducted at the temple to commemorate the life and teachings of Drukpa Kunley. 8. During the festival, people from nearby villages visit the temple to receive blessings from the monk who resides there. 9. There is also a 500-year-old cypress tree near the temple, which is said to be over 500 years old and is said to have miraculous properties, granting wishes to those who circle it 108 times. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.