Rumtek Monastery, one of the biggest and most important in Sikkim, is situated on a hill with a view of Gangtok. In the sixteenth century, Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th Karmapa Lama, constructed the monastery.
It was formerly known as the Dharma Chakra Centre and consists of a monastery for the monks as well as a lovely shrine temple. The shrine was built to convey the Buddha’s teachings to as many people as possible.
The 16th Karmapa played a crucial role in the establishment and significance of the monastery, further enhancing its historical and spiritual importance.
The Rumtek Monastery is encircled by verdant mountains and is situated 23 kilometers away from Gangtok. In addition to providing spiritual comfort, it provides a visual getaway. The monastery’s architecture is very comparable to that of the Kagyu headquarters, one of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Across from the monastery lies the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies, a college dedicated to Buddhism. The Rumtek monastery is surrounded by a walkway where monks, pilgrims, and guests engage in kora, a traditional monastic circuit.
A year-long retreat center, a monastic college, stupas, a protector’s shrine, lay community institutions, and a number of other establishments may all be found within the main monastery.
The stunning monastery still has several statues that are part of the 16th Karmapa’s collection, as well as a golden stupa. Since many religious gurus moved to Sikkim from Tibet when China conquered Tibet, the monastery has become more significant. It is a repository for many religious artworks and some of the most unusual religious texts in existence.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Namchi
The building’s primary structure is constructed in line with Tibetan monasteries’ ancient architectural styles. Murals, frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and traditional Tibetan architecture adorn the interiors.
The main edifice has a shrine hall that is traditionally decked with silk banners, Thangkas, holy texts, and a 10-foot statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Four sculptures that were thought to be the universe’s guardians—Virupaksha, Virudaka, Dritarashtra, and Vaishravana—are housed at the monastery.
Rumtek was the first monastery in India to be constructed using all of the traditional architectural styles, and it served as the model for several other monasteries that were subsequently constructed all throughout the country.
The renovated 300-year-old Rumtek monastery, which was first constructed by the fourth Chogyal, is located around 2 kilometers from the Dharma Chakra Center.
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Rumtek Monastery Sightseeing & Activities
Rumtek Monastery Sightseeing & Activities: Rumtek Monastery is open from 6 am to 6 pm. How To Reach Rumtek Monastery Rumtek Monastery is near Gangtok. So, you can hire a taxi from the city to the monastery.
- Taxis are not allowed beyond the entry gate at the main road; after that, it’s a short walk up the hill to the monastery.
- Constructed as a duplicate of the Tsurpu monastery in Tibet, the Rumtek monastery is one of the most magnificent examples of Tibetan architecture.
- On many levels, the vibrant exteriors juxtaposed against the breathtaking mountain backdrop provide a wonderful experience.
- The visitor may see the simplicity of monks’ lives because of the spiritual atmosphere.
- The 15th Karmapa’s remains are kept in a gilded stupa inside the monastery complex. Since the stupa is enclosed, taking pictures there is not permitted.
- All around the room are pictures of significant occasions, Buddhist leaders, and certain documents that are significant to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. While there is room for mediation, quiet must always be maintained.
- Observing some of the monks’ rites, which take place at various times of the day, is very enjoyable.
- The ritualists recite mantras from their holy books while performing traditional music. Each member of the entire ensemble does their part in perfect unison.
- For those who want to learn, the monastery provides a little store inside the complex where you may purchase various Buddhist literature or souvenirs.
- There are restaurants on the road outside the monastery that offer regional cuisine.
Also Read: How to reach Gangtok
Best Time to Visit Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek is located in close proximity to Gangtok, and as a result, its climate is somewhat comparable to that of Gangtok. The summer and fall months, which are from March to June and October to December, are the most delightful times to visit.
The winters are a chilly season. During the monsoon season, there are consistent heavy rains, which makes it difficult to go sightseeing.
How to reach Rumtek Monastery
By Air
Rumtek Monastery is located 27.2 kilometers away from Pakyong, the closest airport. To go to the monastery, one may take jeeps, taxis, and private automobiles from the Pakyong airport and from Gangtok Helipad, which is located around 25 kilometers north of Rumtek.
By Rail
New Jalpaiguri is the closest train station. This has good connections to the majority of India’s largest cities.
Also Read: Things to do in Sikkim
Tips You Must Know Before Visiting
- Having a guide is highly recommended.
- It is usual to circle shrines in a circular manner and to offer a contribution at a monastery.
- Respect the local animals and their environment.
- There’s a pay-and-use bathroom outside the main door, a short flight of stairs down.
- Avoid talking loudly, smoking, and drinking in monasteries.
- The taxis drop you off at the path leading up to the Rumtek Monastery; you have to walk there. Stalls offering tea, refreshments, trinkets, and souvenirs fill the area.
Conclusion
Rumtek Monastery is a place of calm and beauty. It’s one of Sikkim’s top spots for spirituality—People from everywhere visit this monastery.
You can learn about Tibetan Buddhism here. The monastery has an important history.
It also holds many cultural artifacts. Plus, monks live their lives here in a lively manner. When you visit Rumtek Monastery, it’s not just a visit. It’s a valuable life experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rumtek Monastery famous?
The biggest monastery in Sikkim, it is a nearly exact replica of the ancient monastery in Tsurpu, Tibet, and showcases the finest of Tibetan architecture. The monastery is a well-known hub for Kargyu teachings and is home to some of the rarest Buddhist holy artifacts in existence.
Which is the largest monastery in Sikkim?
The Dharma Chakra Centre, also known as Rumtek Monastery, is a gompa situated in the Indian state of Sikkim, close to the capital city of Gangtok.
Which mountain is Rumtek monastery surrounded by?
At an altitude of more than 7000 feet, the town is surrounded by the powerful snow-capped Himalayan peaks, providing an incredible view of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, on a clear day.
How many years old is Rumtek Monastery?
Rumtek Monastery consists of two buildings: the ancient Rumtek Monastery was established in 1740 by the fourth Chogyal of Sikkim, while the current monastery was constructed in 1966.
What is the meaning of Rumtek?
Situation: Atop Rumtek’s Hill. 1740 is the foundation year. Rumtek, which translates as “God left the Dharma Chakra Center,” was founded in 1740. It is about a forty-five-minute drive from Gangtok, the Tibetan Buddhist order’s headquarters, which is located 24 kilometers away.
Is Rumtek monastery worth visiting?
Rumtek Monastery is a natural wonderland, boasting beautiful landscapes and breathtaking natural attractions.It is the largest and most popular monastery in Sikkim, founded by the ninth Karmapa Lama, Wangchuk Dorje, in the 16th century.
The monastery is a place of spiritual serenity, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim, therefore Rumtek monastery worth visiting in your trip to gangtok, sikkim.
What is the entry fee for Rumtek monastery?
Rumtek Tibet Monastery is open every single day throughout the year. The visitor hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM. The entry fees for Rumtek Monastery is ₹10 per person.
What is the Speciality of Rumtek monastery?
Rumtek Monastery is the largest monastery in Sikkim it exhibits the best of Tibetan design and architecture and is an almost copy of the original monastery in Tsurpu inTibet. The monastery holds some of the oldest Buddhist holy art pieces found in the world and is also a world famous centre for Kargyu lessons.
Which is the largest monastery in Gangtok?
Rumtek Monastery (Tibetan: རུམ་ཐེག་དགོན་པ་, Wylie: rum theg dgon pa), also called the Dharma Chakra Centre, It is the largest monastery in Sikkim, The Rumtek Monastery is a gompa located in the Indian state of Sikkim near the capital Gangtok.
