The Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine in Bangkok is dedicated to a Chinese goddess. It is located in a corner of the grounds of the Swissotel Nai Lert
Park on Wireless Road, but can also be accessed from Soi Somkid. The original shrine was established by ethnic
Chinese businessman and philanthropist, Mr Lert Sreshthaputa (1872-1945). Although there are other Chao Mae Tuptim shrines
in Thailand, this is the only one where phallic offerings are made. It is believed that in the past a woman may have become
pregnant after petitioning the goddess, and so the tradition of offering a fertility symbol such as a lingam began. In
recent years, however, the size of the lingams at the shrine has diminished considerably.
