Luck and the Kharam Shing

 Luck is what we think we deserve to have every time but it is otherwise. People seek interference of seen and unseen forces in hope to have the tinniest fraction of luck. Luck, in laymen term can be defined as absence of bad things happening. according to Chophel (2018), Kharam means ‘together,’ reflective of the event’s communal nature. It is believed to have evolved from a Bön ritual, and includes a particular wooden structure marked by a phallus.

The lucky phallus (Image:Google)

In Bhutan, there is a special way to drive away evil and bring luck; having a kharam shing around. It is a phallus craved from wood. The size and the wrathfulness can vary from place to place. Sometimes it is painted on the walls of the homes. The idea may be taboo for the west but it serves a purpose here. According to Kinga. (2005, p.157), kharam shing offsets evil influences and empowers people.

It is a common sight to see traditional houses decorated with the kharam. The culture is more evident in the rural communities though the culture seems to have faded with modern concrete buildings. The kharam shing is a must religious tool for the

atsars during the tshechus. They use the wooden phallus to entertain people and is believed to bless the spectators. 

Understanding the description, the Lingam in Hinduism can be equated with the phallus in Bhutan as it is:

The male sexual organ, symbol of the God Shiva and his omnipotence. The shape of the Linga signifies the symbol of formlessness or sunya of the nature. This represents the clear consciousness too. It is often depicted or made associating with the Yoni, the female sexual organ which symbolizes the origin of creation. (p.6)

Kharam Shing of different
size and shape.
(Image: Google)

The phallus is also an indispensable part of Buddhism as “an image of The image of phallus is primarily  used in rituals called Mikha Dgra bsgyur, which is a ritual text attributed to Guru Rinpoche’ (Kinga., 2005, p.164). The kharam can be seen hung on the necks of cattle and even children to ward off evil or Kharam. Farmers erect kharam shing in their field to protect crops from pests and weeds, disaster and to ensure a bountiful harvest. Communities have have their own special tree to carve the kharam shing. 

Defying the western taboo, the phallus has webbed into the culture and religion in Bhutan and it is here to stay.

 

Reference

Chophel, S. (2018). Kharamshing: A festival of Chali. Bhutan Cultural Library. 

Kinga, S. (2005). Speaking statues, flying rocks. DSB Publication.

Lama, M.N. & Lama, M.T. (2012). Ritual objects & deities: An iconography on Buddhism & Hinduism.         Vajra Publications.