8 Famous Monasteries of Eastern India
Ghoom Monastery:
Ghoom monastery or Yiga Choeling is the oldest monastery in Darjeeling, built in the year 1850. It is located about 8km from Darjeeling town. The monastery was established by famous astrologer Sherab Gyatso. There is a 15feet statue of Maitreya Buddha- ‘The Buddha to come’. The monks of Ghoom monastery follow the Gelugpa order of Buddhism. The monastery preserves some rare, handwritten Buddhist manuscripts. This place is also a storehouse of Tibetan translations of popular Sanskrit works such as Meghdoot by Kalidas, Nagamandala by Sriharsa etc. Facing the monastery if you look at the left you will get a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga.
Lava Monastery:
Lava is located50km away from Kalimpong. Lava Monastery or Kagyu Thekchen Monastery is located 500m from Lava jeep stand. The monastery was built in the year 1987 by the third kongtrul Rinpoche, Karma Lodrochokyi Senge. The monastery is built in Tibetan Style of Architecture and brightly coloured. The monastery has various prayer halls, lawns, sitting areas and a huge Buddha statue. The monastery premise is surroundedby Neora valley national park. Located in a picturesque Himalayan hamlet this monastery is very beautiful and a must visit spot. The monastery offers great view of snow capped mountains. Aritar in Sikkim and Jelep la are also visible from the monastery.
Lolegaon Monastery:
A small not so famous monastery is located at lolegaon. It is a spot one can visit after visiting famous canopy walk of Lolegaon.
Pemayangtse Monastery:
This is the most famous and one of the oldest premier monasteries in Sikkim. The monastery is located near pelling, 110km west of Gangtok. The monastery was founded by Lama Lhatsum Chempo in 1647. The monastery follows Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is built in backdrop of snow capped mountains and overlooks the Rabdantse ruins. The first floor of the monastery is a treasure trove of collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and idols.
Rinchenpong Monastery:
This is the third oldest monastery in Sikkim. The monasterty was established by Nagadakpa Lama in the year 1730. The monastery is situated above the twin villages of Rinchenpong and Kaluk. The monastery follows Nyingma order of Buddhism and house a rare Ati Buddha (Adi Buddha) or primordial Buddha in Yab-Yum position. In this position naked blue Buddha embraces a woman. It signifies the power of union of the male and female.
Tinchuley monastery:
Tinchuley monastery is not so famous small monastery located in Tinchuley village. Here a Buddhist lama meditated for 17 years. The tranquil nature surrounding the monastery will surely calm your mind. If you are lucky enough you can have a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga from there.
Gumba Dara Monastery:
It is also known as The Great Jangchub Chotren of Mind rolling kalimpong monastery. The white coloured monastery situated in a picturesque landscape with snow capped mountains in its backdrop. A giant Buddha statue is present in the monastery premise.
Mirik Monastery:
Bokar monastery is situated in mirik, 1km away from famous Mirik Lake and 2km away from mirik bus stand. In the year 1984 the monastery was founded by Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche. The monks of the monastery belong to the kagyud order. It is one of the most astonishing and sought after monasteries in India. The monastery is located at the highest point of mirik town. The view of Mirik from the monastery is absolutely stunning. Close to the monastery there is sunrise and sunset points to enjoy natural beauty. The monastery is visible from lake side also.
