Monasteries in Sikkim; Ancient Art and Architecture Shaping Culture and Lifestyle

The beautiful and heavenly state of Sikkim with the essence of nature is situated in between Himalayas and is known variedly for monasteries because of the presence of more than two hundred monasteries in the place.

These monasteries belong to people from different faith like Gelugpa, Sakyapa, Nyingmapa Sect and also the Bon faith. The monasteries make the place Sikkim a lot more attractive as it provides the glimpses of the rituals and practices of ancient times which is still believed and followed by believers with lots of enthusiasm. Monasteries provides an peaceful environment that often people search for, soothes one's mind and soul and can make anyone feel the closeness and purity associated with the almighty.

Apart from being a place to worship the monasteries in Sikkim also provides the view of excellent Buddhists art, culture and architecture which may not be seen in any other place. Some of the very famous art and architectural attributes in the monasteries in Sikkim are the Wall painting, Scriptures, gold and silver statues of ancient time, Tibetan Manuscripts and wood curved objects defining Buddhists heritage. The monks who dwell around the monasteries are much dedicated and hardworking as they keep chanting the religious poems or anthems. Their chanting of sacred reading in the monasteries gives a feeling of spirituality and the monks are often seen in the attire of red clothes wrapped in their bodies.

Rumtek monastery is considered as the largest and most famous monastery of Sikkim located in Rumtek which is 23 kilometers away from Gangtok. Rumtek is known as an ideal place for its abundant green hilly land, cloudy mountains and its incredible topography. A tour to Ramtak can give an opportunity of beautiful sights to experience, monasteries to visit, trekking and rafting in white water.

While visiting the Rumtek monastery one can also cross through typical villages of Sikkim and beautiful paddy fields which looks like green carpet holding the sight of golden paddy swaying in certain season. The Rumtek monastery of the Kargyu sect of Buddhism is the main attraction of the place, seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa. The Monastery provides the best illustration of Tibetan architecture and it is also known to be a replica of the real Monastery in Tibet situated in a place Tsurpu. In the Rumtek monastery, one can also find many types of the objects of Buddhists religious art forms which are very rare to see and it is also one of the monasteries known for being the most eminent hub for the Kargyu teachings.

Dubdi Monastery also known as Yuksom Monastery situated 2 and half kilometers from Yuksom market, west Sikkim is considered as the oldest monastery of Sikkim as it is established in the year 1701. Dubdi Monastery is regarded as "Hermit's Cell" and it is monastery of the sect or religious group called Nyingma of Tibetan Buddhism.

Also read: Gangtok, Sikkim: Weather And Places To Visit

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