Sikkim Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding Monastery is one of the important monasteries in Sikkim, located in the western side and is about 40 kms away from Gyalshing when traversed by road through the town of Legship in the western Sikkim area. Its location at the top of a hill, which rises between the rivers of Rangit and Rathong, gives picturesque scenery all around. Added to the location, the fluttering flags posted all around the monastery are also a visual splendour. Most areas around the Tashiding monastery have stone plates arranged in beautiful manner. Chortans are also found which are dedicated to various personalities related to Buddhism in Sikkim. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism in Tibet and the name means “the devoted central glory”. It can be said that the Tashiding monastery is the centre of Buddhism spirituality in Sikkim, as it is having a number of other important places around the monastery. Mountain Kanchendzonga forms the backdrop of this beautiful monastery. On four sides of the structure are four important caves, dedicated to the saints who did their meditation in this place.
History
Tashiding Monastery is said to have been built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing, who was one of the leaders of Nyingma sect of the Tibetan Buddhism culture. He was also one of the 3 buddhist saints who did the crowning of the first king of Sikkim. The temple was enlarged and extended in 1717, during the rule of third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal. As per the history, the festival of Bhumchu also started from this period. Legends denote that the place of the shrine was decided when Guru Padmasambhava wanted to seek a place for meditation and shot an arrow in the air, which fell at the place where the monastery is presently located. Another legend proclaims the presence of the monastery at the site from where the divine light rays were being emitted, as sensed by the three saints who were responsible for consecrating the first king of Sikkim. Most common belief about the establishment of the Tashiding monastery has been related to the setting up of a small shrine in early 17th century, which was later enlarged by Chokar Namgyal in late 17th century. A number of statues were then built inside the temple and Chortens were built by Lhatsun Chenpo while the master craftsman Yanchong Lodil helped in building the flagstones which are found all around the monastery, having the engravings of holy mantra from Buddhism.
Festival
Bhumchu festival is the main festival held in the Tashiding Monastery. Its origin can be traced back to the days of first ruler of Sikkim, Phuntshog Namgyal. The festival is held in respect of the holy water and has a strong belief in the prediction of future by measuring the water level in a holy vase. During the festival, the vase if opened after a year, and the future is predicted. It is believed that the water level is an indicator of the prosperity of the people of assam and sends a strong message in the modern world about the conservation of water. The water used in the vase is taken from the Rathong river and therefore the river and water in general is held with great reverence in Sikkim. Bhumchu festival is held in the first month of Tibetan calendar, on the 15th day, when there is a full moon. This coincides with the Magh month in hindu calendar and falls in the month of February-March according to English calendar. The festival is marked by lots of holy recitals and dance rituals by the monks and local people in reverence to the king and the water.
Architecture
Approach to the Tashiding monastery is from a place in the Sinek market place, where there is a gompa. At the entrance, there is a big Mani stone. People can also approach the monastery from the main market centre. Within the complex of the monastery is Mani Lakhang, near which there is the guest house, main shrine, butter lamp house, chortens, and the central portion of Guru Rinpoche. There is also kitchen, residential houses and other important structures required for the running of the monastery. Major renovation works have been done in the main shrine, while the surroundings are having a traditional feel to them.
Getting There
The location of Tashiding Monastery is about 16 kms from Yuksam, while from Gezing, it is 40 kms. Yuksam has good road links with many other cities in Sikkim as well as in West Bengal. Siliguri is the base city to reach Tashiding monastery and it is about 140 kms away. Buses are travelling from Gyalshing to Tashiding, while Gyalshing is reached from Yuksam. There are also good road connections to Gangtok.
Bagdodara airport is the nearest to the monastery at a distance of about 140 kms from Yuksam. Gangtok is connected to the Bagdodara airport by helicopter service also.
Railways stations at Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the closest to the Gyalshing city, at distances of 114 kms and 125 kms respectively from Gangtok. Gyalshing is situated at about 40 kms from the monastery.
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