Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Ralang Monastery
Ralang Monastery
Ralang Monastery is one of the popular Buddhist monasteries of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Located in the southern part of Sikkim, this is mainly known for a wide variety of paintings and the popular festival called Pang Lhabsol.

Share this Article:

Ralang Monastery, SikkimRalang Monastery is one of the popular Buddhist monasteries located in the Sikkim state of India. Built in 1990s, Ralang Monastery is one of the major monasteries of the Kagyu sect. It is situated six kilometres from Ravangla. The monastery is home to various ancient paintings and thangkas. Attractive mask dances and various festivals are the other attractions of this monastery. Throughout the year, it draws an impressive number of tourists from various corners of the world.

History of Ralang Monastery
It was built by the fourth Chogyal who returned from his pilgrimage. It was built on the instructions of the 9th Karmapa when he visited the place to perform Rabney under which he would bless all his disciples for their well being. Like other monasteries this too has a number of legends.

Ralang Monastery is often claimed to be located exactly on the place which was selected by Karmapa. According to the existing legends, when the Karmapa came to this place he threw grains from his place and wherever these grains fell became the site of the monastery. This monastery was finally constructed in 1974- 1981 which was further renovated in 1995.

Attractions of Ralang Monastry
The monastery is mainly known for the extensive collection of paintings and thangkas. It also hosts the annual festival known as Pang Lhabsol. This is celebrated during the time of worshipping Mount Kanchenjunga which is one of the traditional festivals of Sikkim. The celebration of this festival begins during the month of September and ends in early December with the Kagyad. Kagyad is a Buddhist festival which is celebrated during the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar. This monastery also hosts a number of mask dances among which the most popular are the Chaam Mask Dance and the Mahakala Dance which attract a large number of tourists from all over the world. These mask dances are some of the biggest attractions of Sikkim which depicts the legends of the land as well as their cultural heritage.

Connectivity of Ralang Monastry
The nearest airport is located at Bagdogra (112 km from Namchi) and the closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (107 km from Namchi). From Siliguri, it takes around three hours to reach Namchi. From Namchi, jeep, car or buses can be hired to reach Ravangla which is just 22 km away.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments

Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.