| |
Sikkim has near about 200 monasteries
or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only
been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the
people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals in practice.
Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm
of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative
lamps placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava.
Feel the peace and quiet of being one with nature and close to
the almighty as sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer
wheels. The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of hoary
Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. Also preserved
here, are ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood
work and icons of silver and gold.
 PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY
Pemayangtse Monastery is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing
(140 kms. from Gangtok) and commands an impressive view of Mount
khanchendzonga. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma order and
all other Nyingma monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it.
RUMTEK MONASTERY
24 Kms. from Gangtok, a drive through beautiful countryside
takes one to Rumtek Dharma Chakra centre built in 1960'S by his
holiness the late 16th GYALWA KARMAPA when he took refuge in
Sikkim after the Chinese occupation of Tibet. It houses some of the worlds
most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons.
PHENSANG MONASTERY
This monastery was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme
Pawo. In 1947 it was completely gutted by a devastating fire.
However it was rebuilt in 1948. It is present in North Sikkim.
PHODANG MONASTERY
This monastery is in North Sikkim 28 kms. from Gangtok. The
original monastery is rebuilt and is today one of the most
beautiful monasteries in Sikkim.
 TASHIDING MONASTERY
This is another important monastery belonging to the
Nyingmapa order and is about 40 Kms. from Gyalshing by road via
Legship (West Sikkim). It lies nestled on the top of a hill that
looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river and is
surrounded by a profusion of Prayer flags that flutter in the
air.
SANGA CHOELING MONASTERY
Sanga choeling means ' the island of esoteric teaching'.
This monastery was built in 1697 and is situated about 7 kms.
from Pemayangste. It is said to be the oldest monastery in
Sikkim.
DUBDI MONASTERY
Dubdi means 'the retreat' and this monastery was built in
1700. It is located near Yuksum on a hill top. One has to travel
by foot to reach it.
KHECHOPELRI MONASTERY
This monastery is located just above the famous Khechopelri
Lake (wish full filling lake) near Yukusm.
MELLI MONASTERY
Melli basically means 'a lepcha village'. This monastery is
also located near Yuksum.
SINON MONASTERY
Sinon means 'the suppressor of intense fear'. The monastery
was built in 1716 and is located about 10 kms. from Tashiding on
a hill top.
DALLING MONASTERY
Dalling means 'the thunderbolt'. This monastery was built in
1840 and is situated near Kewzing .
 ENCHEY MONASTERY
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery
is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpoa tantric
master known for his power of flying. This monastery in North
Sikkim was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. In 1947
it was completely gutted by a devastating fire. However it was
rebuilt in 1948 thangs largely to the devotion of the Lamas and
the unstinted spot of the laity.
YANGYANG MONASTERY
Yangyang means 'the ridge of fortune'. This monastery was
built in 1840 and is situated at a place called Yangyang 10 kms.
downhill from Rabongla.
NAMCHI MONASTERY
This monastery is located in Namchi, the district
headquarters of south district and was constructed during the
reign of Chogyal Gurmed Namgyal.
KWEZING MONASTERY
This monastery is located near Kwezing in South Sikkim. It
was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.
SIMIC MONASTERY
This monastery is situated in near Singtam town. It was
built during the reign of Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal.
HEE GYATHANG MONASTERY
This monastery is located in and follows the Nyingma sect of
Buddhism.
LINGTEM MONASTERY
This monastery is located in the Dzongu area of North Sikkim.
ANI MONASTERY
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 .
RHENOCK MONASTERY
This monastery is located in about 63 kms. from Gangtok.
KHATOK MONASTERY
This monastery is located in East Sikkim near Pakyong. The
present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of
Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.
BERMOIK MONASTERY
This monastery was constructed in 1952 and follows the
Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is situated in South Sikkim above
Singtam.
LACHEN MONASTERY
This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1806 and follows
the Nyingma sec of Buddhism.
LACHUNG MONASTERY
This monastery in North Sikkim was built in Sikkim 1880 and
also follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.
SANG MONASTERY
This monastery is situated near Rumtek and was built in
1912.
RALONG MONASTERY
This monastery is situated near Rabongla in South Sikkim. |
|
