Chimi Lhakhang

Located on the beautiful hillock of Punakha is a temple, Chimi Lhakhang which observes tourists not only from Bhutan but from across the globe. Wondering what’s so unique about this temple for the crazy footfall it has? Chimi Lhakhang also named as the “Fertility Temple” is known for blessing the childless couples with newborns. Turning the white and grey lives of these couples into a colourful rainbow, the temple holds a special place in the hearts of Bhutanese people. Apart from its miraculous deeds, this religious place also becomes a topic of discussion among travelers for its architecture. The Thai themed architecture coupled with phalluses’ carvings and traditional paintings is something to wow at.

Built by the 14th Drukpa Hierarch, Ngawang Chogyel, it is one of the most visited places in Bhutan. Yet another feature that makes this temple unique is the mind of ‘Divine Madman’ that goes behind the construction of stupa and meditation hall housed inside Chimi Lhakhang. Innumerable visitors including pilgrims and couples wishing to have a child come to seek the saint’s blessings who has the Magical

Thunderbolt of Wisdom. He is the only person who advocated the use of phallus on house tops and walls. Initially the phalluses were believed to ward off the evil eye and malice. The pilgrimage destination is repository of the actual wooden symbol of phallus which Kunley got from Tibet. Decorated with a shiny silver handle, this wooden phallus is struck on visitors’ head, especially women wishing to beget a child. Hence the temple becomes a centre of unheard and unusual traditional ceremonies making it a must visit place in Bhutan.