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A Trip to The Spiritual Rumtek Monastery

By Siji Ram

The Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharmachakra Centre, is one of the must visit Buddhist monasteries in India and is also the largest monastery in the country. Apart from being a pilgrimage site, the site is located around 5000 ft above sea level on a hill facing Gangtok, making it a beautiful sight worth experiencing.

The history of the monastery's existence is interesting. After Tibet was conquered by China, the 16th Karmapa (head of Karma Kagyu lineage) had to flee from the country and he came to India. Of all the places in India, he chose Rumtek to be the main seat in his exile.

rumtek monastery

The exterior view of Rumtek monastery
Photo Courtesy: Pamri

The monastery was earlier built by the 9th Karmapa in 1740 and was also the main seat of Karma Kagyu lineage, till it was destroyed later. Later, in 1961 the 16th Karmapa reconstructed the monastery. By 1966 the construction was complete, since when it is one of the most important sites for Tibetan Buddhists. Following the reconstruction, several Tibetan religious gurus have also relocated to Sikkim.

A golden stupa is installed inside the monastery that has relics of the 16th Karmapa on it. The whole monastery complex consists of a shrine temple, the main monastery, a retreat centre, a protector's shrine, a nun's hostel, a monastic college and some institutions for other establishments.

painting

Painting inside the monastery
Photo Courtesy: flowcomm

The monastery is built using the architectural style of other Tibetan monasteries. Following typical Tibetan architecture, the interiors of the structure has murals, frescos, paintings and sculptures that emphasise on their culture and religion.

The man shrine in the main building is a four-storeyed structure with a golden sculpture (known as 'ghanzira') that adorns the rooftop. The shrine is built in a shape that portrays 5 families of Buddha - Amithaba (the wheel), Vairochana (the bell), Amoghasiddhi (the vase), Akshobya and Ratnasambhava (the jewel)

This structure is guarded by life-sized images of the guardians of the universe - Virudaka (South), Virupaksha (West), Dritarashtra (East) and Vaishravana (North).

Devotees

Devotees at the monastery
Photo Courtesy:
Anja Disseldorp

The whole structure is surrounded by lush green mountains and all you can breathe in is serenity. Take a trip to the peaceful land on your trip to Sikkim. Breathe in some fresh air, travel within and experience the beauty of silence.

Address: 24km from Gangtok, East Sikkim, 737101, India

Best time to visit: October to December
Timings: Mon-Fri: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Public Holidays: 9.00am - 6.00pm

Read more about: sikkim pilgrimage travel
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