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...Everything you ever wanted to know about Sikkim

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   PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY   
The Sublime Perfect Lotus
Although Dubdi monastery in west Sikkim is considered the oldest monastery having been built in 1705, it is the Pemayangste monastery (about 118 kms from Gangtok) in west Sikkim which is held in highest regard.

It is believed that with the establishing of Dubdi monastery, three more were 
constructed over spots consecrated by Guru

Rinpoche in west Sikkim. These were the ones at Tashiding, Pemayantse and Sangachoeling. While the monasteries at Tashiding and Sangachoeling were open to all monks, Pemayantse was special because it was one meant only for ‘ta-sang’ lamas (pure monks). Believed to have been conceptualized and designed by the pioneer of Buddhism in Sikkim, Lhatsun Chhembo, Pemayangste soon became the nuclei of monasteries in Sikkim. To date, it is referred to as the "premier monastery" of the State.

While designing the monastery, Lhatsun Chhembo is believed to have described "pure monks" thus: monks of pure Tibetan race, celibate and without any physical deformities. To the present day, it is only monks from Pemayangtse who can enjoy the tittle "ta-sang". The monastery’s importance grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint the reigning sovereign of the land with holy water.

The Pemayangtse Monastery draws religious sustenance from the Mindoling Monastery in Central Tibet. About a century ago, batches of monks from Pemayangtse were sent to Mindoling for instructions in strict discipline and rites. The practise is, of course, now discontinued.

The monastery contains numerous antique idols and objects of worship and is filled with wall paintings and sculptures.  A stand-out feature of the Monastery is a seven-tiered painted wooden structure on the top floor portraying the Guru Rimpoche’s Heavenly Palace ‘Santopalri’ which was completed single handedly by the late Dungzin Rimpoche in a span of five years.

The annual Chaam (monk dance) is held on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calander. 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’ and gigantic embroidered Buddhist scroll.

A well-furnished Tourist Lodge, Hotel Mount Pandim is located just across the monastery on a smaller hill top. For booking please contact Deputy Director, Hotel Mt. Pandim, P.O. Pelling, Pemayangtse, West Sikkim, Telephone: 03595/50-756.

- by Pema Wangchuk

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