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About
Sangacholing Monastery |
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The
Sanga Choeling Monastery(Sange Choeling Monastery) was founded
in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. It is one of the
oldest monasteries in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim.
The literal meaning of Sanga Choeling is the “island of
esoteric teaching”. The Monastery is located on a ridge top
above Pelling at a distance of 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from
Pemayangtse Monastery and is accessed by walking the steep
hilly track of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi), which traverses through
rich forest cover.
Pilgrimage to Sanga Choeling Monastery is undertaken by many
Buddhist devotees as part of religious and also heritage
circuit encompassing the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse
ruins, the Khecheopalri lake, the Norbugang Chorten, the Dubdi
Monastery, Yuksom and the Tashiding Monastery. At present,
this monastery is open to everyone from Bhutanese to Lepcha
communities. This monastery provides a beautiful view of the
great Himalayan range.
Sangachoeling Monastery is considered as the second oldest
monastery of Sikkim. Sangacholing, which means the land of
scared spell is a monastery which was built in 1695 by Lhatsun
Ankh Sigma. Over the years, due to excessive exposure to
regular earthquakes, the sculptures of this monastery have
collapsed.
The Sangacholing Monastery houses a sacred three hundred year
old Buddhist crematorium, which has seen the cremation of
Lhatsun Namkha Zigme, after he went in Parinirwana. After
this, it has been named as Dhuthoe Silwar Tshar and has become
a public Buddhist crematorium.Various accessories are
preserved in this monastery. The monastery was recently
remodelled after sustaining severe earthquakes, but still it
has the aroma of serenity and holiness. Best time for visiting
this monastery is early morning, during the sunrise.
Best time to visit Sangachoeling Monastery
One can visit Sangachoeling Monastery anytime of the year.
However, the best time to visit the monastery is from February
to May, and then September to December, when the weather in
Pelling is pleasant.
Timing
One can visit the monastery at anytime of the day. |
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Location of Sanga Choling monastery |
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Sanga
Choling monastery monastery is located on a ridge at the back of
town of Pelling in the western part of the state of Sikkim
facing the Pemayangtse Monastery. One must undertake an uphill
hike for about forty minutes to reach the monastery. An old
crematorium is located near the Sangachoeling Monastery, which
has seen use from last three centuries.The scenic beauty of the
place is enhanced by the back drop of the mountains it’s truly
an unforgettable experience to be there. Sanga Choling monastery
is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries of the state.
To reach the Monastery a comfortable trek of forty minutes can
be undertaken. |
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History of Sanga Choling monastery |
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Sanga
Choling monastery is located at a distance of about 2 km from
the Pelling district of Sikkim, Sangachoeling Monastery is one
of the oldest monasteries of the region. Perched atop a hill,
Sangachoeling Monastery can be reached by foot. Also known as
Sanga Cholling, this monastery was established by Lhatsun Chempo,
and is highly revered among the Nyingmapa. The area around
Sangachoeling Monastery is very appropriate for meditation
practice and provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas. A visit
to Sangachoeling Monastery is worth it, when in Sikkim.
The Sangachoeling Monastery is built in a Tibetan style of
architecture, and houses a sacred three centuries old Buddhist
crematorium named Dhuthoe Silwar Tshar. The crematory has become
a public crematorium for the people of Buddhist faith.
Sangachoeling Monastery has been rebuilt several times over the
years, but it still preserves various ancient paintings,
accessories and clay statues. |
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Architecture of the Monastery |
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Sanga Cheoling Monastery, founded in 1697, is also known
as the place of secret spells. It has clay statues dating
back to the 17th century. The monastery was affected by
fire several times and was rebuilt.The Monastery’s
location provides very beautiful and panoramic view all
round. |
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Religiosity |
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According to Tibetan calendar on the tenth day of every month,
lamas recite hymns at this monastery. Every morning and evening
prayers are special here. The monastery is reserved for males
only and belongs to the Yellow Hat sect. |
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