Chimi Lhakhang is located in Lobesa, a settlement under Barp Gewog in Punakha district. It is located at the junction where the highway from Thimphu branches to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. It is about 11km from Punakha, 12km from Wangdue Phodrang and 60km from Thimphu. The settlement is formed near the bank of Punatsangchu, at an altitude of 1300m. Chimi Lhakhang and the surrounding settlements are connected by a stretch of 1.5km farm road from Thimphu - Punakha highway.
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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.
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The Tibetan lama Drukpa Kuenley (1455 - 1529) is without doubt the most popular Buddhist yogi in Bhutanese history. Drukpa Kunley was born into the noble clan of Ralung Monastery in western Tibet. He is commonly seen to be roaming around carrying his bow and arrows.
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The phallus symbol can be seen flanking doorways, hanging off rooftops or painted on the corners of homes in all sizes and colours. Traditionally, Bhutanese believe that these phallic symbols help to ward off evil spirits.
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