Sikkim is a tranquil destination in India. It boasts of about 200 monasteries. Dotted with numerous monasteries, the land offers you a different experience on your Sikkim tour. These monasteries belong to different sects like the Nyingmapa, Karugpa sect, Sakyapa sect and Bon Faith.
Pemayangtse Monastery Sikkim
The most famous Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim include:
Pemayangtse
This is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. It positions itself atop a ridge high above the Rangit River, enveloped by the magnificent snow-covered Himalayan peaks. Pemayangtse monastery got its name from ‘Padma yang tse’ which literally means the ‘Sublime perfect lotus’. The monastery was meant only for ta-sang’ lamas.
Rumtek
If you spend some time to regain your energy through meditation, visit the Rumtek Monastery. It is the largest monastery that covers over magnificent area. Your Sikkim monasteries tour will be incomplete if you skip a visit to Rumtek. It houses a proper school to exchange teachings of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Visitors can also capture the glimpses of the most unusual birds in the monastery complex. World-renowned Rumtek Monastery organizes various festivals, usually in July.
Enchey
Sikkim Enchey Monastery
The monastery stands atop a hill, just 3 km away from the town centre. Built in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda, the monastery serves as an important seat of the Nyingmapa order of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism. Enveloped by tall pine trees, Sikkim Enchey monastery has the two storey structure. The murals depicting the guardian deity along with the wheel of law on the porch are the features of this sacred spot. Tourists can also see the conch shells. Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava are the three Gods, worshipped in the monastery.
Tashiding
Lying atop of a hill, Tashiding monastery emerges up between the Rathong River and the Rangeet River with the backdrop of the Mt. Kanchendzonga. Established in the year 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo, the monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa order. Carved exquisitely on stone plates enveloping the monastery are sacred Buddhist mantras like “Om Mane Padme Hum” by the skillful craftsman Yanchong Lodil.
Phensang
Lying in the capital city, the monastery positions itself on the gentle slope. Counted among the well-known Sikkim monasteries, it dates back to 1721 and belongs to Nyingmapa order. This sacred site is also a home to around 300 monks. Phensang Monastery Sikkim also hosts an annual event on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar. Travellers can also witness the sacred dances, performed during the festival.
Found in solitary places, Sikkim Monasteries provide you an ideal escape from mundane temptations. Plan a tour to Sikkim Enchey Monastery to spend some time in tranquillity.
Article Source: http://eastindiatravel.blogspot.in/2013/04/sikkim-monasteries.html
East India Travel 