In Bhutan the phallus is an integral part of festivals and rituals observed by diverse part of Bhutanese communities. Basically, originated from folk belief yet, sometimes, such symbolism is used by Atsaras (Skt. Acharaya: scholar and enlightened spiritual masters), that normally appears as a clown holding a wooden phallus and even acts lunatic symbolize a realized, profound and no conceptulisation of human activities and belief of shame, embracement and appeasement etc.. We see them tied with the wooden dagger and hung from the four corners of the houses, nailed above the entrance, painted on the walls and carved on wood. Numerous terms are used to express its significance or meaning. For instance, Kharam shing or Mikha, means a piece of wood to counter the evil tongue or eye and curse. Kharam or Wangchuk Chenpo, Gulang in Merak and Sakten dialect which is a reference to Lord Shiva’s potency Wangchuk Chenpo, pho tag (male symbol) of Lord Shiva, or simply Zur shing, meaning a piece of wood that hangs from the eaves. There are festivals like; Bonkor, Chha and many other shamanistic associated festivals and rituals.

1 min
Bhutan