Sikkim Enchey Monastery
Meaning the Solitary temple, Enchey Monastery was established in the shape of a small gompa in 1909, by the famous tantric proponent, Lama Drupthob Karpo. He was believed to be having tantric powers with which he could fly. The location of the monastery is in the edge of a hill, some distance away from the Gangtok city, towards the northeastern side. In the earlier days, when gangtok was a small hamlet, this monastery was established and over the years, by the efforts of the monks, the present day monastery has been built. These monks are followers of the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. The sight of kanchendzonga peak is most spectacular from this particular monastery. Although it is a Buddhist monastery, the culture of this shrine has been deeply associated with the social life and religion of the people of Gangtok.
History
One of the legends about the setting up of the Enchey monastery reveals the setting up of a small gompa by the tantric master Lama Drupthob Karpo, who is said to have rested at this site, after flying from Maenam hill in South Sikkim, with his flying powers. It is also said that Guru Padmasambhava used his powers to bring the deities Yabdean and Khangchendzonga under control and subdued them at this site, so that these goddesses have become the presiding deities of the Enchey monastery.
Architecture
Enchey Monastery has been built in the shape of a pagoda, with a number of images and sculptors of god and goddesses from different religions, apart from that of Lord Buddha. Over the years, since its establishment in 19th century, the monastery has grown from a small place to a large structure, although it is one of the smallest in terms of structural spread. The shining gold cupola above the main shrine was constructed later on. Prayer hall is the place where murals and paintings of various kings of Sikkim and religious leaders and deities are placed. Buddhism and its leaders are depicted in different forms in these walls. A number of scriptures are kept inside the temple premises inside well secured almirah. Carvings on the pillars, which are used for supporting the monastery, have been done exquisitely in huge designs. Windows are quite special in the sense that they have ornate designs and carvings.
Festival
In the Enchey Monastery, there is an annual dance festival, known by the name of Chaam or Detor Cham. According to the Tibetan calendar, this festival is held during the 18th and 19th days of twelfth month of lunar calendar. In the English calendar, these are corresponding with the month of January or February. Chaam Dances are special because of the colourful masks that are worn by the monks and it is from these masks that the name of the dance has been derived. Dancers also wear quite beautifully designed dresses during the occasion. These attires represent the deity Mahakala and the snow lions, which are mythological characters. The time of these dance celebrations is usually before the dates of Sikkimese new year and Tibetan new year.
Getting There
Airport which is nearest to the Enchey monastery is at Bagdodara at about 124 kms distance. Also, helicopter services are provided from Bagdodara to Gangtok. The monastery is about 3 kms from the city centre of Gangtok, which takes people uphill through picturesque valleys and visuals of Kanchendzonga mountain peak.
Railway stations near to the city of gangtok are two, at New Jalpaiguri and at Siliguri at distances of about 114 kms and 125 kms from Gangtok.
Through road connectivity to gangtok, people can travel from cities like Siliguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, etc, which are all weather roads. Private taxis, jeeps and personal vehicles ply on these road to travel to gangtok with convenience.
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