Punakha Dzong and Chhimed Lhakhang

Trip Start Jun 11, 2005
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Trip End Dec 22, 2005


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Thursday, October 6, 2005

Although the rain had stopped, it was still pretty cloudy which meant we couldn't enjoy the views enroute from Thimphu to Wangdue as we crossed a high pass.

However, we did enjoy visiting our favourite Dzong (part fortress part monastery) in Bhutan at Punakha. It's located on an island in the middle of two rivers and has lovely views down the valley. There were a number of young monks practicing their instruments for the ceremonies and we were able to take some photos of them.

We also walked to Chhimed Lhakhang a small temple devoted to Lama Drukpa Kunle, also known as the "divine madman" in the 15th century and who had many amazing tales of his outrageous teachings, including seducing local girls and subduing demons with his penis! The temple itself is now an important pilgrimage site for infertile couples who touch the two (very big) phalluses to help them conceive. Both Maggi and Hazel steered well clear!

Many of the houses also have large pictures of phallic symbols too, quite at odds with the very conservative society, to help the family have large families. Very graphic drawings and some hanging with metal rods through them! Ouch.
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