Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma-Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Less than an hour’s drive from Gangtok, this monastery is perched atop a hill with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys. Originally built in the 1700s, the monastery was renovated in 1966. The main entry gate leads to a huge courtyard, on which is a pillar inscribed with lines from the holy books. The walls are covered with murals, depicting auspicious scenes as well as images of the protectors and guardians of the region. Interestingly, on the outer wall of the monastery is a mural of Ganesha, since the Karmapa had a vision of the elephant-headed God of Hindu mythology assisting in the construction of the monastery, helping ward away the problems that came in the way!

Inside are massive idols of Mahakala and Mahakali, which are taken out during festivals. A beautiful painting of the Buddha adorns a wall, and near it stands an imposing, 10 feet tall statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha. The painting, it is said, originally stood in place of the idol, and the eyes were painted by the Karmapa himself! Around them, in niches, stand one thousand small statues of the Buddha, representing the arrival of 1000 Buddhas in this era. The throne of the Karmapa takes centre stage. And all around are religious texts―the sacred scrolls, which are the commentaries of the Buddha’s teachings, translated from Sanskrit to Tibetan, and also commentaries on these teachings. It is surely the importance and veneration accorded to these texts, which adds to the magnificence of the monasteries!

On the hill behind is the Golden Stupa, which holds the relics of the 16th Karmapa. And further up on the hill is the Dharmachakra institute, imparting education to hundreds of young monks.

Additional information: Rumtek Monastery is located about 24 km away from Gangtok. You can hire a guide at the ticket counter who will explain the history of the monastery as well as the beautiful Buddhist artwork.