Phallus worship in Bhutan dates back to the 15th century when Lam Drukpa Kunley, “The Divine Madman” arrived in the country from Tibet. He is perhaps the only Buddhist teacher to be exclusively identified with the phallus.
The phallus, whether carved or painted on the walls of houses, dangling from roof eaves or simply placed in a field, is said to ward off the evil eye, protect against malevolent gossip and spirits, stave off misfortune and bring in good luck.
Across the country, there are various temples, sculptures, festivals and rites related to the phallus. The very presence of the phallus in offerings, rituals and so on is believed to attract good fortune in some way or the other. Some phalluses are self-originated stone relics, others hand-made with wood, cement or stone and still others made of maize dough for offerings.
Childless couples from around the world visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in honor of Drukpa Kunley to receive blessings for conception of a child. A silver-handled brown bamboo phallus believed to be brought from Tibet by the iconoclastic saint is then placed on the head of the women by the temple’s presiding monk.
If you want a souvenir to remember this unique Bhutanese tradition of phallus worship, you can get tiny phallus key chains at Bhutanese gift shops! Just make sure you suppress that giggle!