Do-Drul Chorten is a Buddhist Stupa in Gangtok in the Indian state of Sikkim. This Stupa is one of the finest Monasteries of Sikkim. The stupa was built by Trulshik Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. The building can accommodate about 700 monks.
Legend of Do-Drul Chorten
This place in Gangtok was once haunted by evil spirits and many people who wandered around the place became victims and died. Trulshik Rimpoche came to this place for hermitage and constructed the Do-Drul Chorten to drive away the spirits.
Structure of Do-Drul Chorten
The Chorten Stupa is marked by a golden top dome. This golden top can be seen from various places in Gangtok. Inside the Do-Drul Chorten, one can see complete set of "Dorjee Phurba" (Vajra Kilaya), "Zung" (mantras), a set of "Kang Gyur" relics (Holy Book) and other religious objects. The stupa is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels all of which have mantras inscribed on them in Tibetan. These "108 Mani Lhakor" (Prayer Wheels) around the Chorten are turned by devout Buddhists while chanting "Om Mane Padme Hum" meaning "O Jewel in the Lotus" to invoke the Bodhisattva.
Do-Drul Chorten is also surrounded by "Chorten Lakahang" and "Guru Lakhang", where two statues of Guru Rimpoche are present. There are several other small stupas around the main one. One of them is "Jhang Chup Chorten" which was built in memory of Trulshik Rimpoche after his death.
Visiting Information of Do-Drul Chorten
Do-Drul Chorten is only 2kms from Gangtok Town. One can take a taxi and reach there in 10-15 minutes. There is no admission fee; however donations are accepted.
This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com