Penis Idols

The Penis Shrine, otherwise known by its real name the Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine, is hidden away in Nai Lert Park next to the hotel of the same name, the Nai Lert Park Hotel (used to be the Hilton Hotel). The shrine was originally dedicated to Chao Tuptim, a female animist spirit who people

 

 

believe has been residing in the banyan tree next to the shrine for hundreds of years.

 

Years ago though, a woman came to pray at the shrine asking for help from Chao Tuptim because she couldn't conceive. Nine months later, she gave birth to a healthy son. She was so pleased with her child that she came back to the shrine and left a large wooden carving of a giant penis in thanks. Others followed her lead and today, if you visit, you will see literally hundreds of wooden penises, all different colors and sizes. Some have colorful pieces of fabric tied around them to protect them. Others are dyed red, blue or green. But all of them give off the same message. Offer up a penis to the shrine, and you too can witness the miracle of conception.

 

Apparently, the Nai Lert Park Hotel has been quite dismayed about having the shrine on their doorstep and having tourists trooping through their hotel to get to it. So they have tried to stop access to the shrine, by dissuading tourists from walking through the hotel. It is still accessible, however, from the back of the hotel and is such an interesting shrine; it would be a pity to miss it. Unlike other shrines in Bangkok, it is also very quiet, so most of the time you will find yourself alone there, able to pray or give things to Chao Tuptim without being disturbed. It's also very pretty in the park away from the pollution and traffic of downtown Bangkok.

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