The Pemayangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, near Pelling in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, located 140 kilometres west of Gangtok. Planned, designed and founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1705, it is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim, also the most famous in West Sikkim
Shrine’s History
The history of the monastery is very closely linked to the reign of Chodar Namgyal at Rabdentse. Chador, a very religious person, had taken several initiatives to the spread of Buddhist religion in Sikkim. He had decreed that the second of every three sons of Bhutia family shall be ordained a monk of the Pemayangtse Monastery. During his reign, the Guru Lhakhang Tashiding (1715) was built. He not only patronised Buddhist religious places but also introduced the religious dances to highlight the martial and native traditions of Sikkim
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The monastery, located at an elevation of 2085 m, is built with a scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains on two sides. Built as a three storied structure, the monastery depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches, deified in various floors. The monastery was damaged by earthquakes in 1913 and 1960 but has been refurbished several times. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order and characteristic feature seen in this monastery is of statues of Padmasambhava and his two consorts. In the main prayer hall, the Dukhang or Lakhang, the main temple, which has colourfully painted doors and windows, depict Tibetan designs. The main statue of Padmasambhava seen here is in his wrathful form as Dorje Bhurpa Vjarakila with multiple heads and arms. The monastery, which overlooks the Rabdantse Ruins, has well-manicured gardens within its compound where the residential accommodation for the monks is also located. The first floor of the monastery has a notable collection of ancient Buddhist antique idols, scriptures as well as sculptures and decorated paintings. Padmasambahva’s eight incarnations in fierce form are also seen here. Of particular note is a seven-tiered painted wooden structure, portraying Guru Rimpoche’s Heavenly Palace known as “Sanghthokpalri” also spelt “Zandog-palri”, on the top floor of the monastery. The painting has scenes of rainbows, angels with “whole panoply of Buddhas and Bodhistvas”. This structure was constructed by Dungzin Rimpoche over a period of 5 years.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest Bus stop is Pelling
By Rail
The nearest Railway Station is Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located at a distance of 170 Kms from Pelling.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Bagdogra Airport.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
The Cham dance festival is held every year on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to February of the Gregorian calendar. It is performed by the lamas of this monastery. The lamas dress up as Mahākāla and Guru Drag-dmar in colourful costumes for the dance performance. Pilgrims from all parts of Sikkim visit the monastery to witness this festival. On this festive occasion, which marks the conclusion of Losar, on the last day of the festival, a very large and impressive embroidered scroll is displayed. Fireworks display is also a part of the concluding function, symbolising driving away of evil spirits. There are 108 monks in this monastery and they are identified by the red hats that they wear.
