Sikkim Ralang Monastery
Belonging to the Kagyupa Sect of Buddhism, the Ralang Monastery is a group of two monasteries located in the state of Sikkim, belonging to Tibetan sect of Buddhism. Situated at a distance of 6 kms from Ravangla, this monastery can be reached by jeep after a 20 minute drive from the village of Ravangla. There are histories and legends showing that the monastery has a old structure and a new structure. About 1000 monks stay here and meditate. The most important feature that is worth noting is the sacred dance of masked dance called Kagyed Chaam, performed annually as a ritual for worshipping Mount Kangchedzonga.
History
As per the legends, the old temple or monastery is situated about a kilometre and half from the new monastery. As per the anecdotes, the old temple was built by fourth Chogyal when he came back from pilgrimage and 9th Karmapa blessed him by throwing some grains on him. He is said to have done this from this residence in Tsurphu monastery in Tibet and the place where the grains fell, became the site of the old monastery. During the year of 1975 – 1981, a new monastery was built by 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, under the name of the Palchen Choeling monastic Institute, which was built in the style of Tibetan Architecture.
Architecture
The new monastic building in 20th century was built in the lines of Tibetan architecture and the Ralang Monastery has huge number of paintings and thankgas, where the annual festival of Phang Lhabsol and Kagyed festival are quite common. The new construction have been done with utmost care given to Tibetan architecture style and there are large number of paintings, which have special attraction in the new monastery. It is also noteworthy that the old structure is considered to be of the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim.
Festivals
A few festivals are held on an annual festival in the Ralang Monastery, one of which is the annual dance festival, which is held on the 15th day of the Buddhist calendar’s seventh month, which is probably in the month of October. This festival is known as Pang Lhabsol, or the prayer to the Mt Kangchedzongpa, where cham dance or masked dance is a common form. The Kagyed is the annual festival of the sikkimese people, which is celebrated in the 29th day of the 10th month, usually in the month of December, which falls just before the Loosing festival, which is the sikkimese new year. Mahakala Dance is held every year in November in the monastery complex.
Reaching There
The nearest airport is situated in Bagdodara, at a distance of 112 kms from Namchi. From Namchi, Ralang is at a distance of 22 kms, easily accessible by road. Ravangla is about 120 kms from Siliguri, where the nearest railway station is located. In recent years, Ravangala has emerged as a famous tourist place, due to scenic beauty and can be potential to be a tourist place. New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railhead at a distance of 107 kms, while the Bagdodara airport is nearest at a distance of 102 kms, which can be driven by bus or taxis with permit. From siliguri to Namchi, it takes about 5 hours by bus.
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