Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha

Chimi Lhakhang History

The history of Chimi Lhakhang begins with Drukpa Kunley, a Buddhist monk who was one of the first ones to bring Buddhism in Bhutan. The story of Chimi Lhakhang states that Drukpa Kunle came to Punakha with the intention of driving away a demon from Dochula. Drukpa Kunle then created a "Flaming Thunderbolt of Wisdom" and struck down the demon who had taken the figure of a dog.

Also known as "The Divine Madman", Drukpa Kunley then proceeded to catch the dead demon in the form of a dog in a stupa. He then uttered: "Chi Mi" which means "No Dog". The flaming thunderbolt was the phallus and from when the Phallus Symbol of Chimi Lhakhang Monastery was born.

Who Is Drukpa Kunley

Drukpa Kunley also known as the Madman of the Dragon Lineage was a revered saint who had built Chimi Lhakhang in 1499. Unlike other saints Drukpa Kunley was renowned for his strange way of enlightment. According to the records, Drukpa Kunley is known to claim himself as "The Fertility Saint". It is even believed that Kunley used to worship phallus and sought to encourage other monks to look above traditional teaching, in ancient days.

Interesting Facts about this Temple

Did You Know? This temple is popularly known as the Fertility Temple and is mainly visited by childless couples. But it is still a mystery about the tradition of seeking fertility blessing since there are no written records and even oral sources to provide scant information on this tradition.

Places to Visit near Chimi Lhakhang

Limbukha Village

Limbukha is a captivating village situated in the Dochula Hill of Punakha. This picturesque dwelling is known for its pictorial landscape. Travelers usually come here to enjoy hiking through the dense forest, paddy fields, and picturesque hamlets. The distance from Chimi Lhakhang to Limbukha is approximately 22 km.

Talo Monastery

Dwelled on the mountain range of Punakha Valley, Talo is a strikingly beautiful monastery. Constructed in the year 1767, Talo is surrounded by a lush green forest with a magnificent vista of the mountain peaks in the backdrop. The distance from Chimi Lhakhang Monastery to Talo Monastery is more than 18km.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang

Surrounded by daunting hills, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is a Buddhist nunnery in Punakha. Travelers usually come here to apprehend the life of the anim. Situated at a distance of just 5 km from Chimi Lhakhang, travelers usually come here to participate in meditation.

Khamsum Yueling Monastery

Encircled by paddy fields, astounding mountains in the backdrop, Khamsum Yueling Monastery is the finest example of peace and serenity. Built-in the year 1990, it is an epitome of Bhutan's architectural excellence. The breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Punakha Valley from the courtyard of the temple is what attracts thousands of travelers every year.

Things to see in Chimi Lhakhang Punakha

• Statue of Kunley, in a monk's robe, in a reclining position with a ceramic statue of his dog Sachi in the main altar.
• Murals of Zabdrung, Sakyamuni Buddha Chenrezig.
• Images of Phalluses painted on different walls of the temple.
• The gigantic prayer wheels.
• Statue of Guru Padmasambhava.

Things and Activities to Do

• Be a part of the unique blessing technique of this temple.
• Trek through the paddy fields.
• Wander in and around the temple to examine all the phallus symbols depicted on the walls of it.
• Know the ancient legend of Drukpa Kunley, the Devine Madman from the locals.

Hike To Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang or the Fertility Temple is located at a 30minute walking distance from the main road. Visitors can follow the trail which leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning "field". It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang. The astounding view of the paddy field covered in golden and yellow hue has left many visitor spell bound.

Chimi Lhakhang Timings and Entry Fee

Chimi Lhakhang timings are from 9 am to 5 pm. Travelers can visit this temple on any day of the week at any time between 9 am to 5 pm. However, the Chimi Lhakhang entry fee is Zero. It means that travelers don't need to pay any money to enter this temple.

How to Reach this Temple

The most convenient way to reach this temple is by directly hiring a car or taxi from Punakha. There are also other options to reach this temple such as hitchhiking and trekking. From Punakha to Chimi Lhakhang the distance is about 29 kilometers.

Distance: The distance between Punakha to Chimi Lhakhang is 29 kilometers.

Our Travel Packages offerings

Have you also bewitched by knowing the beauty of Bhutan and this temple? With North Bengal Tourism's Bhutan Travel Packages, you can explore this temple as well as the entire Punakha at such a reasonable price