4/5 Sandip P. 9 months ago on Google
Yiga
Choeling
Monastery,
also
known
as
Rumtek
Monastery,
is
indeed
a
significant
Buddhist
monastery
located
in
Gangtok,
Sikkim,
India.
Here's
some
information
about
Yiga
Choeling
(Rumtek)
Monastery:
1.
History:
Yiga
Choeling
Monastery,
or
Rumtek
Monastery,
holds
great
historical
and
religious
significance.
It
was
originally
built
in
the
16th
century
in
Tibet
but
was
re-established
in
its
current
location
in
Rumtek,
near
Gangtok,
in
the
1960s.
The
monastery
is
the
largest
and
most
important
seat
of
the
Kagyu
sect
of
Tibetan
Buddhism
outside
of
Tibet.
2.
Architecture:
The
monastery's
architecture
reflects
traditional
Tibetan
design
and
is
visually
stunning.
The
main
building,
known
as
the
"Tsuklakhang,"
features
intricate
murals,
thangkas
(religious
paintings),
statues,
and
ornate
woodwork.
The
monastery
complex
also
includes
various
stupas,
temples,
and
residential
quarters
for
monks.
3.
Religious
Significance:
Yiga
Choeling
Monastery
is
the
seat
of
the
Karmapa,
the
head
of
the
Kagyu
lineage,
and
is
considered
one
of
the
most
sacred
monasteries
in
the
region.
It
serves
as
a
center
for
Buddhist
study,
meditation,
and
religious
ceremonies.
Many
important
Buddhist
rituals
and
festivals
are
held
at
Rumtek
Monastery,
attracting
devotees
and
tourists
from
around
the
world.
4.
Golden
Stupa:
One
of
the
notable
attractions
within
Yiga
Choeling
Monastery
is
the
Golden
Stupa,
also
called
the
"Karma
Shri
Nalanda
Institute
for
Higher
Buddhist
Studies."
It
houses
the
sacred
relics
and
remains
of
the
16th
Karmapa,
Rangjung
Rigpe
Dorje.
The
stupa
is
adorned
with
gold
and
precious
gems,
making
it
an
awe-inspiring
sight.
5.
Festivals:
Yiga
Choeling
Monastery
hosts
several
festivals
throughout
the
year,
with
the
most
significant
being
the
"Tse
Chu"
festival.
This
festival
is
celebrated
annually
to
commemorate
the
birth
of
Guru
Padmasambhava,
the
founder
of
Tibetan
Buddhism.
During
the
festival,
masked
dances,
rituals,
and
other
religious
ceremonies
are
performed
by
the
monks.
6.
Accessibility:
Yiga
Choeling
(Rumtek)
Monastery
is
located
approximately
23
kilometers
from
Gangtok,
and
it
takes
around
an
hour
to
reach
by
road.
Visitors
can
hire
taxis
or
join
organized
tours
to
visit
the
monastery.
It's
advisable
to
check
the
visiting
hours
and
any
specific
entry
requirements
before
planning
a
visit.
Yiga
Choeling
Monastery,
or
Rumtek
Monastery,
is
a
must-visit
destination
for
those
interested
in
Buddhism,
Tibetan
culture,
and
the
spiritual
heritage
of
Sikkim.
The
monastery's
rich
history,
architectural
grandeur,
and
serene
surroundings
make
it
a
captivating
place
to
explore
and
experience
the
essence
of
Tibetan
Buddhism.