Chimi Lhakhang
The Fertility Temple is Located at an altitude of 1300 meters above the sea level in the village of Lobesa Punakha. It is renowned world wide for blessing infertile couples.
History
The temple was built by the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kuenley who visited the village in the 15 th century upon hearing a demoness was tormenting the villagers. The lama is said to have subdued the demonesses who transformed into a dog at the spot where the temple was built. Another version of story goes that when Drukpa Kuenley reached Dochula, he met the demoness upon confrontation the demoness turned into a dog which tried to escape and reach at the present day Chimi Lhakhang where he caught her and subdued her with the flaming thunderbolt wisdom. The name, “Chimi” is a phonological change over time of the word “Khyimed” which means “No Dogs”
Drukpa Kuenley used the “Thunder Bolt wisdom”an euphemism for his Penis, to subdue the witch.
The temple is credited to have been built by Lama Ngawang Chogyal the older brother of Drukpa Kuenley in the year 1499.
The Temple layout
1. First / Ground Floor Representing Hell
Built in 659 by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo the Jowo Lhakhang features the following:-
- The Main Statue is of Jowo Shakyamuni, the Present Buddha wearing the crown of future Buddha Maitreya, with his 2 disciples Mudgyalyana and Shariputra standing on the sides.
- Statues of 8 Bodhisattavas
- Statues of Zhabdrung Tshokor Sum and
-Statue of Guru Choekor Sum
2. Second / Middle floor Representing Earth
-The Chenrezig Lhakhang was built by Je Sherab Gyeltshen in 1838 as an exterior extension to the entrance of the main 1st temple. The wooden floor has a foot imprint of the Jekhenpo formed after years of prostrations. The temple features the following:-
- Statue of 4 armed Avalokitesvara/ Chenrezig and statue of Songtsen Gempo by Je Sherab Gyeltshen
- Statue of 11-headed Avalokitesvara/ Chenrezig offered by Paro Penlop dawa Penjor
- Paintings from the Jataka tales
- A Namgyelma Stupa
3. Third / Top Floor Representing Heaven
A Guru Lhakhang was built in 1936 by Paro Penlop Kuzhu Tshering Penjor right next to the Chenrezig temple. the lhakhang was used as a bedroom by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The Lhakhang has the following features:-
- Statues of Guru Rinpoche and his 8 manifestations
- Painting of Guru Zangdopelri
- & painting of Zhabdrung Phunsum Tshogpa
Statues and paintings inside the main temple :-
—. The main central figure is of Lama Drukpa Kuenley holding his bow and arrow seated with a dog accompanying him.
-statue of Lama Ngawang Chogyal in the emanation of Guru Rinpoche.
-A stupa with the body remains of WolaGyab. ( a local king from the village in opposite mountain who gained enlightenment after chanting mantras taught to him by Drukpa Kuenley.