Chime Lhakhang
Visiting these iconic locations offers a unique look into the spiritual and natural heart of the country
Short intro about
Chime Lhakhang
Located on a round hillock on the edge of the Punakha Valley, Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by ‘the Divine Madman’ the maverick saint, Drukpa Kunley. Famously known as the temple of fertility, the lhakhang draws local people, from near and far, to receive blessings from the lama (monk). The local people also bring their new-borns to be named here. The lhakhang is truly a revered and blessed space for many.
Many childless couples make a devout pilgrimage to the lhakhang in the hope that they will be honoured with a wang, or a blessing from the lama. Woman entering the temple, who are hoping to conceive, are made to carry a wooden phallus around the temple three times.
The lhakhang is about a 30-minute walk through fields from Sopsokha on the main road to Punakha.
Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch. However, it was Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529), the maverick saint (also known as the ‘Divine Madman’) who first built a chorten at the site.
According to local myth, a vile demoness by the name of Loro Duem resided in the high pass of Dochu La and she used to terrorise all those who attempted to cross this pass. There were two other demonesses who lived in two smaller passes. As a result, the folks in the valley lived in constant fear and misery.
When Drukpa Kunley first stepped foot in Bhutan, he heard about these demonesses and the sufferings they have been causing. Thus, he made his way to Dochu La and upon his arrival, the three demonesses recognised him and his divine power. They tried escaping to the valley but two of the demonesses ‘dissolved’ into the body of Loro Duem.
Upon reaching the plains of Lobesa, Loro Duem morphed herself into a dog to disguise herself. However, Drukpa Kunley recognised Loro Duem and subdued her with his “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom” which is said to be the phallus, thus, the symbol of Chimi Lhakhang. Drukpa Kunley then buried the demoness under the mould of a hill that resembles the breast of a woman. He then uttered the word ‘Chime’ which means ‘no dog’ and built a black chorten on top of the mould.
Prior to killing and burying the demoness, Drukpa Kunley made the demoness to pledge service to the Buddha and to become the protector of the dharma. She is now the local deity known as Chhoekim who is the guardian of Chimi Lhakhang.
Later in the 15th century, Drukpa Kuenley’s cousin Lam Ngawang Choegyal built a temple in honour of Drukpa Kunley and named it Chimi Lhakhang, literally translated as ‘No Dog Temple’.
-Wel Come to Chime Temple.
-We are here at 1,400m / 4,593ft above the sea level.
-It is geographically 27 degree towards the Northern Hemisphere 89 degree towards Eastern Himalayan
-20 minutes walk from the National Highway of Punakha.
1.We are lucky to take pictures from outside Temple .
2.Please refrain from taking pictures, while we are inside the Temple
3.Please refrain from touching wall paintings, statues and others relics inside.
4.Please maintain low voice, when we are outside/inside.
5. Please always walk in a clockwise direction when you are visiting and touring religious places.
6. Please remove your Footwear, Hats Sunglass while we are entering inside the Temple as a sign of respect
7.If you want to use washroom, please let me know. I will assist you.
8. Please watch your steps/ Mind your head.
9. Do remember to keep your mobile silent mode or switched off completely while entering monasteries and other religious places.
10. Do refrain from uttering any negative comments on the royal family, the country’s religion or the chief abbot.
11. Do not wear tight or revealing clothes while visiting religious areas as a sign of respect.
12. Do not throw garbage anywhere except at designated places.
13. Do not feed birds/ animals while visiting natural sites.
-Prayer Flags
-Stupa with three different colours (white, red and black), small prayer wheels .
-Three main Bodhisattvas painted on the gate, Namchu Wangdhen.
-Painting of Karkar and Kamar
-Slate cravings of Buddha.
-The tree is believed to be walking stick of lama Drukpa Kuenley. Estimated Age: 189 years within the length of 36.5 cm.
-Painting of biography of lam Drukpa Kuenley. (Painting on deeds of Drukpa kuenley).
-God of long life/ Amitayus/ Tsepame.
-Lam Drukpa Kuenley in half naked.
-Guru Choekhor sum (Guru with Mindarava and Yeshe Tshogyel).
-Family of Vajra Kiyla/ Phurba Lhatsho.
-Standing lady known as Zomoki and later in 1999, 70th je khenpo changed her name to Aum Choekim.
-The statue of Lam Ngawang Chogyal in the emanation of Guru Padmasambhava.
-The statue of Drukpa Kuenley/ Kuenga Legpai Zangpo with bow and arrow and also with dog.
-Displaying the Thongdrel of Lam Drukpa Kuenley on 15th day of 4th month of lunar calendar.
-Three days Kuchey for Lam Drukp Kuenley on 15th day of 4th month lunar calendar.
-Neten Chudrug on 15th of the 1st month.
-Zhabdrung Kuchoe on 10th of the 3rd month.
-Nungney in the 4th and 7th month.
-Recitation of Kanjur on the 10th of the 5th month.