Phodong Monastery is a Buddhist monastery at Phodong, near Gangtok in Sikkim. It is located 28 kilometres from Gangtok. It belongs to the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Monastery is one amongst the six most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim and also one of the three important monasteries of the Kagyu sect in Sikkim. The monastery is rated as one of the most beautiful monastery of Sikkim.
Currently, the Phodong Monastery is a major tourist attraction of Sikkim, and houses around 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful murals, paintings and frescos.
History of Phodong Monastery
Phodong Monastery was built in the early 18th century and was founded by the 4th Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1734 and however, the Lamas with a support of laities completed the Monastery in 1740 A.D.
In the course of time, an earthquake damaged the old structure and had to be dismantled. The Lamas rebuilt a new Monastery in 1977 which was bigger in size than the previous Monastery with financial assistance from the Government in addition to their own contribution.
Festivals at Phodong Monastery
Phodong Monastery hosts an annual festival, which is observed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar. On this festival, the Chaam Dance is performed by the monks along with religious rituals at the monastery.
Visiting Information of Phodong Monastery
Phodong Monastery is situated at an elevation of 4500 ft and is easily accessible via transports like cars, jeeps, taxis, etc. from Magan in Sikkim. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (124 km) and the nearest railway stations are at Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km).
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