Sanga Choeling Monastery- Sikkim

Address

Sanga Choeling Monastery- Pelling, Sanga Choeling, Sikkim, India- 737113

Diety

Buddha

Introduction

The Sanga Choeling Monastery, also spelt Sange Choeling Monastery established in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsün Chempo, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. The literal meaning of Sanga Choeling is “Island of the Guhyamantra teachings”, where gling means a vihara and “secret Mantra teachings” is a synonym for “Vajrayana Buddhism”. The monastery is located on a ridge top above Pelling at a distance of 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Pemayangtse Monastery and is accessed by walking the steep hilly track of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi), which traverses through rich forest cover Pilgrimage to Sanga Choeling Monastery is undertaken by many Buddhist devotees as part of a religious and heritage circuit encompassing Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, Khecheopalri Lake, Norbugang Chorten, Dubdi Monastery, Yuksom and Tashiding Monastery.

Puranic Significance

Sanga Cheoling Monastery, built in 1697, is also known as the place of secret spells. It has clay statues dating back to the 17th century. The monastery was affected by fire several times and was rebuilt. The Monastery’s location provides very scenic and panoramic view all rounds. Sangachoeling Monastery was established in the 17th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhatsun Chempo. The literal meaning of the word Sanga Choeling is ‘Idea of Guhya Mantra Teachings’ that relates to the faith of Buddhism. Also spelt as Sange Choeling Monastery, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Northeastern Sikkim. Inside the Sangachoeling Monastery, various ancient wall paintings, statues, unique clay structures and scriptures that date back to the 17th century. They are extremely beautiful and are well- preserved. The Sange Choeling Monastery is known as the place for sacred spells. It is built in a traditional Tibetan style of architecture and houses a sacred Buddhist crematorium named Dhutoe Silwar Tshar which is around 300 years old. The crematorium has become public only recently. All the artifacts, statues, paintings and other relics present in the monastery date back to the 17th century.