History of Dubdi Monastery Located on the top of a hill, Dubdi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim and lies 3 km away from Yuksom. The ascetic founder of the Vihara, Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, with 2 other Tibetan lamas, crowned Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chakdor or Chogyal, that is, the King of Sikkim at Norbugang, near Yuksom, in the year 1642. Dubdi monastery is very imperative to Sikkim's history. The state of Sikkim was founded by Lhatsun Namkha Jigmea and the 2 other lamas in the mid 17th century. The image of the founder of the Kingdom of Sikkim is enshrined at the monastery to commemorate him. Amongst the 4 monasteries built during that period, it is the only one that has survived. The rest of the monasteries had now turned into ruins, covered by juniper trees. At some time, around 30 monks took shelter in Dubdi Monastery. Architecture of Dubdi Monastery The 2 storeyed square shaped structure of the monastery is built in stone and faces towards the south. The Vihara is located at a height of 7000 ft. The interiors are decorated exquisitely and adorned with various paintings. The lavish paintings contain images of saints, divinities, demons and other religious symbols. Moreover, a compilation of manuscripts and ritualistic texts are also conserved at the passageways on both sides. The statues of the 3 lamas, who are considered as the founders, are mounted inside the monastery. Dubdi Monastery contains a tapering tower and a flat roof of iron sheets with projecting attic. There is a bell shaped dome at the roof top, known as Gyaltshen. |