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Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim

By Siji

Sikkim is a state that is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture and the monasteries located there. The state has around 250 Buddhist monasteries which makes it a popular pilgrimage centre for Buddhism.

The Buddhist monasteries here are frequented by devotees and tourists alike for their heritage and scenic beauty the place offers. The article takes you to some of the best Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sikkim.

Rumtek Monastery

The Rumtek Monastery is considered as one of the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim. It is the seat of Kagyu comunity which is one of the Tibetan Buddhist sects. The monastery is located around 24km from Gangtok. The monastery is popular around the world for the rare scriptures, artefacts and paintings portrayed in it.

Pemayangtse Monastery

Located around 140km from Gangtok, Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and the most famous monastery in West Sikkim. This monastery was built in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chenpo.

The three-storeyed structure has innumerable paintings of Buddhist saints in it. On the top floor of the monastery, there is a wooden sculpture depicting the heavenly abode of the Maha Guru Padmasambhava and it is believed that it took 5 years to craft the idol single-handed.

Enchey Monastery

The Enchey Monastery is located on a hill above Gangtok and considered a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. The deities worshipped here are Guru Padmasambhava, Lord Buddha and Loki Sharia.

The location of the monastery makes the place all the more alluring as it is located atop a hill and Mount Kanchenjunga can be seen from this spot.

Dubdi Monastery

The Dubdi Monastery, also called the Yuksom Monastery is believed to the oldest monastery in Sikkim. The statues of three lamas who established Yuksom are placed in the monastery along with the images, paintings and sculptures of other deities. A rare collection of Buddhist manuscripts are also preserved here.

Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim

Tashiding Monastery

The Tashiding Monastery is a sacred pilgrimage site located in Yuksom. The place gained its significance as it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava blessed Sikkim from where the monastery is located.

Every year on the 14th and 15th day of the lunar calendar, Bhumchu ceremony takes place in the monastery when the devotees are blessed with holy water. This holy water is taken out on an auspicious day and brought back to the monastery by the lamas. The location of the monastery also makes the visit rewarding.

Read more about: sikkim buddhist monasteries
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