Dhubdi Monastery, occasionally called Yuksom Monastery is a
Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism
near Yuksom, in the Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim
district, in northeastern India.
Dhubdi Monastery was founded in 1701, it is perceived to be
the oldest monastery in Sikkim and is situated on the top of a
hill which is about an hour's walk (3 kilometres (1.9 mi))
from Yuksom. The literal meaning of 'Dubdi' in local language
is "the retreat".It was also known as the Hermit's Cell after its ascetic
founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, who along with two other lamas
from Tibet met at Norbugang near Yuksom and crowned Phuntsog
Namgyal as the first King or Chogyal of Sikkim at Norbugang
Yuksom in 1642.
The Chogyar Namgyal established the first monastery known as
the Dubdi Monastery in 1701, at Yuksom in Sikkim, which is
part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit between the
Khecheopalri Lake, the Rabdentse ruins, the Norbugang Chorten,
Pemayangtse Monastery, the Tashiding Monastery and the Sanga
Choeling Monastery.
The Monastery is located on a hilltop above Yuksom which is
enclosed by grassy forest. It can be approached by trekking
only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35
minutes. It is a perfect place for lamas seeking meditation
recthe surroundings of the sacred Mt. Khangchen Dzonga. The
Monastery was founded in 18th Century A.D.
Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as
“Thong-Wa-Rang-To” which exactly means “Saviours by mere
sight”. Another important feature of Tashiding is the holy
water festival usually known as “Bhumchu”. It is a religious
custom distinctive to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on
the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the Bhumchu Ceremony
is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get
the blessing of the holy water, The sacred holy water is
officially sealed for safety by the Government and the lamas
of the Monastery and it is taken out once a year on the
auspicious occasion. The sacred water, which is taken out
partly, is mixed with normal water to be distributed among
thousands of devotees. |