Monasteries of North East

Buddhism In North East India

Buddhism in the Eastern Himalayan sector has a special significance. Tibetan Tantric Buddhism has been introduced by Guru Padmasambhaba more than 400 years ago. The mystic Monasteries, belonging to the different sects & sub-sects of Mahayana Buddhism dominate the whole of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas. There are numbers of Buddhist Monasteries in this region of which 20 are very important. Each one has its own fascinating history, generates tremendous interest among the visitors, be it the architectural feature or the spiritual message embedded in them. The Tantric factor has added to the legends and to the beliefs of Lamaism (Tantric Buddhism). The Lamas here are believed to have the power of flying from one place to another. The colors add to mystery and so do the mask dances. Discover the culture, where only peace prevails making this the Abode of the Gods. Our specially designed monastery tours gives you an opportunity to know the every details accepts of the Tantric Buddhism & the Tibetan culture of the Eastern Himalayas while exploring the monasteries of the region.

Monasteries of Sikkim

Sikkim is a tiny yet beautiful state in the north east of India which houses near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order. These landmarks have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrate the ancient rituals in practice. The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. In these monasteries are preserved the ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold. 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.

Important Monasteries

• Pemayangtse Monastery
  Pemayangtse Monastery is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing 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
  Rumtek Dharma Chakra centre was built in 1960'S by his holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. It houses some of the world’s most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons.
  
  
• Enchey Monastery
  This monastery is situated in Gangtok on a hilltop. It was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal. 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.
  
  
• Tashiding Monastery
  This is another Important Monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order and is about 40 Kms. from Gyalshing by road via Legship. It lies nestled on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong River and the Rangit River.
  
  
• Sanga Chelling Monastery
  Sanga chelling 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.
  
  
• Ralong Monastery
  This monastery is situated near Rabongla in South Sikkim.
  
  

Monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh

For centuries, Arunachal has been the land of Buddhists and known for some of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. Most of the monasteries and gumpas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order. Buddhism in Arunachal has influenced the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, and exhibits the practice of ancient rituals. The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. In these monasteries are preserved the ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold. The first of the monasteries , established in Arunachal was in 1860-61, is the largest monastery of India and second largest in Asia, five km away from Tawang lies the Urgelling Monastery, the birthplace of His Holi Highness, the sixth Dalai Lama. Both these monasteries are associated with the Lamaistic faith of the Mahayana school of Buddhism and the Bomdila Monastery, too, follows the same faith.

The most significant of all the monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh are Tawang Monastery, Bomdila Monastery and Urgelling Monastery.

Important Monasteries

• Tawang Monastery
  Tawang Monastery is situated in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It lies at a distance of approximately 183 km from Bomdila. The monastery stands hovering on a hilltop, at an altitude of approximately 10,000 ft. One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, Tawang Gompa also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. Known by the name of Galden Namgyal Lhatse also, the monastery dates back to the year 1860-61.
  

• Bomdila Monastery
  Bomdila Monastery, situated in state of Arunachal Pradesh, dates back to the year 1965. It owes its inception to the 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche, who got this monastery built before his death in the year 1966. The monastery of Bomdila is an imitation of the Tsona Gontse Monastery, located at Tsona in South Tibet. The main prayer hall of the monastery was added later on by the 13th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. This hall was later sanctified by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, in October 1997.
  

• Urgelling Monastery
  Urgelling Monastery is the birthplace of His Holi Highness the sixth Dalai Lama, this monastery is located about five kilometers to the south of Tawang town. Urgelling monastery is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas and the picturesque Tawang-Chu valley, the monastery traces its root to the 15th century CE, when around 1489 and was established by Lama Urgen Sangpo as a Buddhist spiritual centre.
  
  Urgelling serves as home to the Buddhist monks and Lamas, who are the followers of Lamaistic Mahayana school of thoughts and principals. In 1683 the birth of the sixth Dalai Lama Ngawang Gyamtso to the Lama Tashi Tenzin (father) of Urgelling and Tsewang Lhamo (mother) of Bekhar, made the monastery a sacred place for the followers of Buddhism. The monastery was restored and revamped in the year 1699 by Desi Sangye Gyamtso He transformed the monastery renovated it with a change in structural phrase. The new looked monastery houses a double storied main temple, an assembly hall with eight pillars, an altar room with four pillars, a deities' chapel with two pillars, a residential quarter for His Holi Highness the sixth Dalai Lama, a chapel to practice the tantric practices, Ka-Gyur house and a courtyard with twenty rooms meant for residential quarters for the monks and the Lamas and made the popular centre of Buddhist learning.

  In the year 1706, Lajang Khan deposed His Holi Highness the sixth Dalai Lama, and his force subsequently destroyed the monastery in 1714. The invasion also left the monastery, deserted and all its treasured possessions - scriptures, statues and other holy objects went into the possession of the Tawang monastery. Thus the glorious days of the monastery came to an end.
  
  Today the Urgelling monastery houses a single temple and shelters some of the monks who lead a simple life and practice meditation and other Buddhist practices.