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Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types :
1. Tak-phu 2. Gompa 3.
Mani Lakhangs
1.
Tak-phu
Literally meaning "rock-cave" or cave hermitage. Although there are
many such hermitages in Sikkim, there are four which are of special
importance, one in each direction. The four are hallowed as caves
where Guru Rinpoche and Lhatsun Chhembo are said to have halted and
meditated. These are:
Lha-ri nying phu: The north face of the four, Lha-ri nying phu is
situated at a 3-day trek precarious trek from Tashiding, west Sikkim.
Not only is this the most difficult to reach, it is also the holiest.
Its name means "the Old Cave on God’s Hill".
Kah-do Sang phu: "The Cave of the Occult Fairies" is on the
south gate and one of the easiest to reach. A five-minute walk across
a pedestrian bamboo bridge from the Jorethang-Gyalshing highway just
beyond Reshi hot-springs takes one to Kah-do Sang Phu where one can
find footprints ascribed to fairies.
Pe-phu: Placed between Tendong and Maenam hills in
south Sikkim, Pe-phu lies near Sangmoo Gumpa about 5 kms from Ravangla,
south Sikkim, en route to Singtam. A huge cavern, believed to extend
by a bifurcation to both Tendong
and Maenam hill, visitors
can still walk in about a quarter of a mile. As low as five feet at
places, the cave opens up to a towering 100 feet at some sections.
De-chhen phu: "The Cave of Happiness" is
accessible only in autumn when the snow that hides it, melts.
Distanced from Rimbi, west Sikkim, by a 3-day trek, it lies in the
snows above Dzongri.
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2.
Gompa:
Monasteries are almost always translated as "Gompas". This is,
however, a misinterpretation. Gompa literally means "a place of
solitude", a religious escape where monks are trained in the finer
aspects of Tibetan Buddhism practised here. Most gompas in Sikkim are
found in solitary places since isolation from the world has always
been a important for Buddhist learning; not as an act of
self-punishment, but merely as an escape from mundane temptations.
Monasteries usually occupy commanding and
frequently picturesque sites. A choice made easy by the two conditions
laid in a guiding couplet on where a monastery should be built; "Back
to the hill-rock, And front to the tarn". A monastery, wherever
possible, should be built on a ridge and have a lake in front.
The door of the assembly room and temple should
preferably face eastwards. South-east is the second choice and then
south. A stream draining the site is considered inauspicious as monks
believe that this would drain away all the virtue of the place. If
such a location is unavoidable, then the main door is made to face
another direction. A waterfall, is, however, considered a good omen
and if one is visible from the monastery, then the door is made to
face that direction.
The monastic buildings cluster around the main
building which is also used as the Assembly Hall or du-khang. Lining
the approaches to the monastery are rows of prayer flags and chortens.
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3. Mani Lakhangs:
These are only temples and not also schools like gompas. Normally
situated near villages, these normally have only a few monks
ministering to the religious needs of the villagers.
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Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
 Distance - 24 km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1960
Sect -
A short drive from Gangtok through the beautiful countryside one
finds themselves in Rumtek Dharma Charma Chakra Centre. It was
constructed by His Holiness the late 16th
Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It is believed that the monastery is an
excellent replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu,
Tibet. The centre houses some of the world's most unique religious
scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects.
A fifteen minute walk downhill from Dharma Chakra
Center takes one to the old Rumtek monastery which was
originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by
fire and had to be reconstructed to the present state. His Holiness
late Gyalwa Karmapa lived in this monastery till the completion of
the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center.
The annual dances also called the Tse-Chu Chaams
are held on the 10th day of the 5th month of
the Tibetan calendar around June. Dances called the Kagyat are also
held here on the 28th & 29th day of the tenth
month of the lunar calendar.
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Pemayangtse Monastery
Distance - 140 km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 17th Century
Sect -
Pemayangtse is situated in Pelling, West
Sikkim and commands an impressive view of Mount Khangchendzonga. It
was originally a small Lhakhang built by Lhatsun Chempo in the 17th
Century. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor
Namgyal, Jigme Pawo, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnation extended
it and rebuilt the structure. It is perched at a height of 2085 mts
and is the second oldest and perhaps the most important monastery in
Sikkim. This monastery belongs to the Nyigma order and all other
Nyigma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it.
The monastery houses numerous religious idols and
other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of
their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden
sculpture depicting the Maha Gurus Heavenly Palace "Sanghthokpalri".
This master piece was completed by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who
took five years to craft it single handed.
The main festival of the monastery is on the 28th
& 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan
calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February. During
these two days religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from
all over Sikkim to watch them. Dressed in costumes of rare
magnificence, the Lamas represent Mahakala and Guru Drag-dmar. The
dance ends on the third day with the unfurling of the `Ghyo- ku' - a
gigantic embroidered Buddhist scroll as the devotees bend down in
homage...more
Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdanste
Palace in Ruins:
Around 6 km from Gyalsing town, this monastery originally built as
an small temple in the last of 17th
century by Latsun Chempo, later during the reign of third Chogyl
Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawa, the third reincarnate of Latsun Chempo
extended and rebuilt the temple structure into a monastery.
The second oldest monastery, it is situated at a height of 6,840 ft
is the head of all others and belonging to the Nyingma-pasect.
Presenting a gorgeous view of the mountain ranges, it is now
equipped with 50-bed Tourist Lodge catering to travellers who want
to visit this ancient and holy place which is an ideal base for
those who would like to explore the unspoiled charms of the
neighbouring spots and trek to Yuksom and Dzongri.
The main hall has an area of 1500 sq.ft. The monastery houses
religious idols and priceless antiques. On the top floor of
monastery there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguri's
Heavenly Palace Sangthokpalri. The main festival is on the 28th
and 29th day of the 12th
month of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month
of February.
Rabdanste, which is couple of kilometers from Gyalshing bazaar and
near the Pemayangtse monastery, was the second capital of Sikkim and
was established in the late seventeenth century by the second
Chogyal of Sikkim. It was abandoned towards the end of the
eighteenth century because of the threat posed by the Nepalese and
the capital was shifted to Tumlong. The Rabdanste Palace is in ruins
and one has to trek about two kilometres from the main road near
Pemayangtse monastery through a thick forest to reach it. The
chortens around the palace have however withstood the elements of
nature. The ruins are now being preserved by the Archaelogical
Surnvey of India and have been declared as a monument.
Just adjacent to the Pemayangtse monastery is Mount Pandim Hotel.
Daily buses are available form Gangtok to Gyalsing.
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 Enchey Monastery
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1909 - 1910
Sect -
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning
the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no
other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site
blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his
flying powers. Lama Drupthob Karpo is supposed to have built a small
hermitage at the spot he reached after he flew from Maenam Hill in
South Sikkim. Later during the reign of Sidyong Tulku 1909 - 1910
the present monastery was built.
This 200 year old Monastery has in its premises
images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. The present
monastery was built in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda. The monastery
follows the Nyingma Order and has around 90 monks.
The annual ritual is celebrated with 'Chaam' or
religious masked dance on the 18th & 19th days
of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar around January...More
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 Do- Drul Chorten
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1945-1946
Sect -
Do Drul Chorten at Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built under the
supervision of the late Most Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche after due
prepartions in 1945-46, in accordance with the prophecy made in 1944
by his Holiness the Dud-Zom Rinpoche. Placed inside the Chorten are
a a complete mandala set of Dorji Phurpa (Bajra Kilaya), one set of
Ka-gyur holy Books, relics, complete 'zung'(mantras) and other
religious objects. This chorten is considered to be one of the most
important chorten of Sikkim. Around the chorten 108
Mani-Lhokor (Prayer Wheels) are installed. The Chorten is surrounded
by Chortne Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, where tow huge statues of Guru
Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambahava ) are installed, Drupda( Meditation
Centre), Nyingma Shede (Institute of Nyingma Higher Studies) and
many smaller monuments including the 'kudung' of the latter Most
Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche. The Sikkim Research Institute of
Tibetology and other Buddhist Studies (SRITOBS) is located near the
Chorten. His Eminence Dodrup Chen Rinpoche of Sikkim has his seat at
the Chorten Lhakhang and guides the disciples, including the inmates
of the Drubda, in their search for higher knowledge and practice of
the tenets of the Nyingma Order.
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Phensong
Monastery
Built in - 1840
 Sect
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This monastery in North Sikkim was built during the time of Jigme Pawo.
Belonging to the Nyingmapa order, this monastery, first established in
1840, stands testimony to the dedication of its monks who
reconstructed the monastery within a year after it was burnt down in
1947.
The monastery is situated on a gentle slope
stretching fom Kabi to Phodong in north Sikkim. There are around 300
monks under the monastery and is famous for the main annual Chaam
(monk dance) performed on the 28th & 29th days
of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar which normally corresponds
to the month of December. Its name translates as "The excellent
Banner" or "Good Bliss".
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Phodong Monastery
 Distance
- 38 km ( from Gangtok )
Sect - Kagyupa
This monastery was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal somewhere in
the first quarter of the eighteenth century in Phodong in North
Sikkim. It belongs to the Kagyupa Sect and it is said to be the first
Kagyupa monastery to be set up in Sikkim.
It is famous for its
exquisitely delicate mural painting and frescoes. The original
monastery has been rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful
monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has
around 260 monks. Like the Ralong and Rumtek monastery the main annual
Puja is performed on the 28th & 29th days of the
tenth month of the Tibetan Calender when the religious dances are
performed.
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Labrang Monastery
Distance - 40 km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1814
Sect -
Labrang Monastery is situated in North Sikkim, built 2 kms further up hill from Phodong Monastery.
This is a much
older structure. It is also unique in the sense that unlike most
monasteries which were razed by fires sometime or the other, this one
still retains the original structure. A pleasure for the eyes given
its unique architecture, it is also one of the premier monasteries of
Sikkim.
The location is a wide and open meadow, ideal for
congregations. Dense forests surround the southern, western and
northern sides of the compound. Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa commissioned
Labrang Monastery in 1814, who then resided in Wangdiche, a palace in
the vicinity. It adheres to the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism
as this was the prevalent school of monastery and inception. Its name
literally means "the Lamas dwelling". It was consecrated to the memory
of Latsun Chembo of Kongpu of Tibet, who initiated and propagated this
school of Buddhism in Sikkim. Just below the road between the Phodang and
Labrang Monastery are the ruins of Tumlong, the third capital of
Sikkim.
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Sa-Ngor-Chotshog
Centre:
Distance - 5 km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1961
 Sect
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Located on a beautiful hill top it is a Tibetan refugee monastic
institution established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche,
Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H.
Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of
the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.
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Tashiding
Monastery
Distance - 40 km( from Gyalshing )
Built in - 17th Century
Sect - This important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order was built on
top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit
river, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an
end. At first only a small Lhakhang |
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Credits & ©
Laila Keuning
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was built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo inthe 17th Century. The main
monastery was built by Pedi Wangmo during the reign of Chakdor Namgyal
and some of the statues built then still exist. The sacred objects
of worship in Tashiding are the chorten Thongwa Rangdol and
Bumchu( holy water). The chorten was built by the Lhatsun Chenpo and it is
believed that merely to view the chorten is enough to cleanse one of
all sins. Carved skillfully on flagstones surrounding the monastery
are holy Buddhist mantras like "Om Mane Padme Hum" by the master
craftsman Yanchong Lodil...more |
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Zurmang Kagyud Monastery/ Lingdum Monastery
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -
The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the XIIth successive
incarnation of Zurmang Gharwang. This monastery is situated on the
Rumtek-Ranka-Gangtok road at Lingdum, about 45 minutes drive from
Gangtok. The complex is a fine example of Tibetan monastic
architecture.
Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -
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The royal chapel, Tsuk-La-Khang, is located within the Royal Palace
premises near the Ridge Park in
Gangtok. It is two storied and is the principal place of worship and
assembly and the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist
scriptures. A magnificent portal breaks the starkness great facade, at
each corner of the building, is a wood sculpture relief, the
formidable head of a snow lion.
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Credits & ©
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Resplendent Buddhist
murals span the stoutly ornate wood of the wall, while the eternal
butter lamp burns before the floor ceiling altar; the air of peace and
calm is heightened by the fragrant juniper incense that pervades
chapel air.
Phang Lhabsol and
Losoong( Tibetan New Year) Festivals are
celebrated in the ground adjacent to the monastery once every year
with the performance of the Chaams or the masked dance. A venue of
ceremonies of national importance in the olden days, it was here that
the kings of Sikkim have been coronated, their children married and
their council sworn in.
A beautiful and impressive building which is the
principal place of worship and assembly for Buddhists. This royal
chapel is repository of a large collection of Buddhist scriptures.
Interiors of this building is covered with murals and lavishly
decorated altars holding images of the Buddha, Bodhisattva and tantric
deities. The chapel is the site of many festivals and the most
interesting of them being one dedicated to the God of Khangchendzonga.
The other important festival is the celebration of New Year, when the
famous Black Hat dance is performed demonstrating the triumph of good
over evil.
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Sanga Choeling Monastery
Distance - 7 km ( from Pemayangtse )
Built in - 1697
Sect - Nyingmapa
Sanga Choeling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'.
45 minutes walk from Pelling will take you to this
second oldest monastery of Sikkim. A 4 km trail rises from the
playing fields just above Pelling to reach the small monastery of
Sanga Choeling is one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim. This gompa is
another of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among
the Nyingmapa. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of
the original clay statues.
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Dubdi Monastery
Built in -
1701
Sect -
 Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest
monastery in Sikkim, is located at the top of a hill about an hour's
walk from Yuksam. Also known as the Hermit's Cell after its reclusive
founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, it was built by the followers of the
Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The trail to Dubdi winds through
lush forests high above the village, offering scenic overlooks and
impressive mountain views. For bird watchers, an early morning or late
afternoon visit is particularly rewarding. Dubdi means 'the
retreat' .
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Kewzing
Monastery
This monastery is located near Kewzing in South Sikkim. It was built
during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.
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Simik Monastery
This monastery is situated in near Singtam town. It was built during
the reign of Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal.
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Hee Gyathang
Monastery
Sect -
This monastery is located in and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.
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 Lingthem
Monastery
Sect -
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 Khecheopalri Monastery
Sect -
This monastery is located just above the famous Khecheopalri lake near
Yuksom.
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Melli Monastery
Sect -
Melli basically means 'a lepcha village'. This monastery is
located near Yuksom.
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Sinon Monastery
Distance - 10 km ( from Tashiding )
Built in - 1716
Sect -
Sinon means 'the suppressor of intense fear'. The monastery is located
on a hill top.
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Dalling
Monastery
Built in -
1840
Sect -
Dalling means 'the thunderbolt'. This monastery is situated near
Kewzing in South Sikkim .
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Yangyang
Monastery
Distance - 10 km ( from Rabangla )
Built in - 1840
Sect -
Yangyang means 'the ridge of fortune'. This monastery was built in
1840 and is situated at a place called Yangyang.
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Namchi Monastery
Sect -
This monastery is located in Namchi, the district headquarters of
south district and was constructed during the reign of Chogyal Gurmed
Namgyal.
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Chawayng Ani Monastery
Sect -
This monastery is located near Phensang which is on the highway
between Gangtok and Mangan. It was built during the reign of Chogyal
Tshudphud Namgyal .
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 Taktse
Ogyen Choekhorling Monastery
Sect -
The area around the monastery was initially surrounding by huts
used for meditation known as Chamkhai. Later on the Chogyal of Sikkim
gifted it to the nuns who used to meditate there and it was converted
into a monastery. One of the few monasteries in Sikkim exclusively for
nuns. It is around 5-6 kms north of Gangtok.
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Rhenock
Monastery
Distance - 63 km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -
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Karthok Monastery
Distance - 32 km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -
This monastery is located in East Sikkim near Pakyong. The present
structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Chogyal
Thutob Namgyal. Karthok Monastery is the sixth oldest monastery of
Sikkim, an important seat of the Nyingma Order. The original monastery
was destroyed and a new one is built in its place. The unique
architectural design of the original was, however, retained.
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Bermoik Monastery
Built in -
1952
Sect -
This monastery follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is situated in
South Sikkim above Singtam.
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Lachen Monastery
Built in -
1806
Sect -
This monastery in North Sikkim follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.
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Lachung Monastery
Built in -
1880
Sect -
This monastery in North Sikkim follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.
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Sang Monastery
Built in -
1912
Sect -
This monastery is situated in a small village called Sang near Rumtek.
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Ralang Monastery
Distance - 6 km ( from Ravangla, South Sikkim )
Sect -
This monastery belong to the Karma Kagyu order and was built
after the return of the fourth Chogyal form his pilgrimage to Tibet.
The Karmapa performed the 'Rabney' (blessing) on its completion from
Tsurphu itself, and grains from this ceremony fell on the ground at
Ralong and were witnessed by the devotees. A few of the grains are
still in the possession of some of the monks. Between 1975-81 the
government reconstructed the monastery. The monastery has around 100
monks. The main ceremony falls on the 28th and 29th
day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar, when the 'chaams' are
performed. It is situated near Ravangla in South Sikkim.
Old Ralang monastery:
is situated 13 kms away from Ravangla with the spectacular
peaks of Narsing, Jopuno and Kabur in the background. The
monastery was built in 1730 on a site blessed by an
earlier incarnation of Karmapa where the grains of rice
thrown by him from Tibet had landed. The monastery is one
of the most sacred and important monasteries following the
Kagyupa tradition.“Pang Lhabsol" the worship of Mt
Khangchendzonga & " Kagyad " Chaam masked dances are held
every year on the 15th
day of the seventh month of the Buddhist calendar
coinciding with August / September and on the 29th
day of the tenth month just before Losoong - the Sikkimese
New Year in December.
New Ralang monastery:
also known as the “Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute”,
was built by the XIIth Gyaltsab Rimpoche, one of the four
regents of the Kagyupa sect and completed in 1995. This is
the biggest monastery in Sikkim and its architecture and
paintings have been painstakingly undertaken to maintain
the authenticity of the Kagyupa monasteries from Tibet.
The sacred “Mahakala Dance” is held here every year in
November.
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Gnathang Monastery
Sect -
This is the only Gelugpa monastery in Sikkim and is situated near the
Tibetan border.
Shurishing Yungdrung
Dungdrakling Monastery
Sect -
Being situated in Sosing in South Sikkim, this is the only monastery
in Sikkim that follows the Bon faith.
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