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Sikkim was blessed by Guru
Padmasambhava, the great Buddhist saint who
visited Sikkim in the 8th century and
consecrated the land, meditating at its four
corners to rid it of all negativity. Today
Sikkim has nearly 200 monasteries and Lhakhangs
and the influence of Buddhism is felt in nearly
every corner of the state. |
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Important Monasteries |
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Pemayangtse Monastery |
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Perched on a hilltop with an
impressive view of the Khangchendzonga range,
Pemayangste is Sikkim’s premier monastery with
all Nyingma monasteries here subordinate to it.
The monastery houses exquisite works of
religious art, including thankas and statues. |
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Tashiding |
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Tashiding, the most holy of
all monasteries in Sikkim was built in 1716 on
the spot consecrated by Guru Padmasambhava.
Located on a hill top between the rivers Ratong
and Rangeet it is surrounded by deep valleys.
The monastery is also the venue for the annual
‘Bumchu’ festival which divines the fortune of
the coming year for Sikkim. |
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Rumtek |
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Located on a hill facing
Gangtok, it is the largest in Sikkim and
reflects the best of Tibetan architecture.
Rumtek monastery is the seat of the Kargyupa
sect of Buddhism. It is also a treasure trove of
some of the most unique religious objects found
anywhere in the world, apart from also being a
world-renowned centre of Kagyu teachings. |
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Enchey |
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The monastery known literally
as the High, Strong Place is perched on a hill
top above Gangtok town. It was built in 1909 and
follows the Nyingmapa order. The monastery has
around 90 monks and its main festival is held in
January. |
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