Sanga Choeling Monastery

The Sanga Choeling Monastery, also spelt Sange Choeling Monastery (Wylie: gsang sngags chos gling, THL Sangngak Chö Ling), established in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsün Chempo, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. The literal meaning of Sanga Choeling is "Island of the Guhyamantra teachings", where gling means a vihara and "secret Mantra teachings" is a synonym for "Vajrayana Buddhism".

Sanga Choeling Monastery
Full view of Sanga-Choeling Monastery
Religion
AffiliationTibetan Buddhism
SectNyingma
Location
LocationSanga Choeling, Sikkim, India
CountryIndia
Sanga Choeling Monastery is located in Sikkim
Sanga Choeling Monastery
Location within Sikkim
Geographic coordinates27°15′50″N 88°13′17″E
Architecture
StyleTibetan
FounderLhatsün Namkha Jikmé
Date established1701
Nearest town Pelling

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.[1][2]

Pilgrimage to Sanga Choeling Monastery is undertaken by many Buddhist devotees as part of a religious and heritage circuit encompassing Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, Khecheopalri Lake, Norbugang Chorten, Dubdi Monastery, Yuksom and Tashiding Monastery.[3]

Architecture

Sanga Choeling Monastery, built 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.[1][4] The Monastery's location provides very scenic and panoramic view all round.[5]

Religiosity

On the tenth day of every month according to the Tibetan calendar, lamas recite hymns at this monastery. Every morning and evening prayers are special here. The monastery is reserved for men only and belongs to the Nyingma sect.[5][6]

  • Entrance to Sanga-Choeling Monastery
    Entrance to Sanga-Choeling Monastery
  • Painting of a saint in Sanga Choeling Monastery
    Painting of a saint in Sanga Choeling Monastery
  • A mythical painting in Sanga Choeling Monastery
    A mythical painting in Sanga Choeling Monastery
  • Painting of a drummer in Sanga Choeling Monastery
    Painting of a drummer in Sanga Choeling Monastery
  • A Wheel of Life painting in Sanga Choeling Monastery
    A Wheel of Life painting in Sanga Choeling Monastery

References
  1. "Sanga Choeling Monastery". Sikkim on line. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  2. Silas, Sandeep (2005). Discover India by Rail. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 19. ISBN 81-207-2939-0. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
  3. Choudhury, Maitreyee (2006). Sikkim: Geographical Perspectives. Mittal Publications. p. 81. ISBN 81-8324-158-1. Retrieved 9 May 2010.
  4. "Nature & Culture Tours:Darjeeling and Sikkim". Western Sikkim. Gurudongma. Archived from the original on 5 September 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  5. Bruyn, Pippa de (2010). Frommer's India. Frommer's. p. 731. ISBN 978-0-470-55610-8. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  6. Chopra, Prem Nath (1979). Sikkim. S. Chand. p. 86. ISBN 9780940500655. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
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