Everywhere you go in Bhutan, you’ll see elaborate penises painted on walls.
The paintings first appeared in the Chimi Lhakhang monastery near Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan.
The Chimi Lhakhang monastery was built in honour of Lama Drukpa Kunley, who became famous in the 15th to 16th century for his unorthodox teachings.
.
Kunley was nicknamed the Divine Madman.
These explicit paintings are regarded as embarrassing by many Bhutanese city dwellers, but are still daubed on walls throughout the kingdom – particularly in villages that Kunley is said to have visited.
Symbols of an erect phallus are also said to drive away malicious gossip.
They’re certainly an eye-opener for travellers who come from cultures where cock’n’balls graffiti is a sign of disrespect!
