CategoriesNorth East India Pilgrimage Sikkim By Akash Bharti

Enchey Monastery, Gangtok: A Spiritual Retreat in Sikkim

Enchey Monastery Sikkim

Sikkim is a magical land, a misty paradise blessed by the majestic Himalayas. Its capital town Gangtok has always been significant as a religious place from the ancient Buddhist period. One of the most sacred and important places for worship has been the Enchey Monastery. Placed at a hilltop above the town’s shoulder, Enchey Monastery offers breathtaking views of Gangtok and the Kanchenjunga peak. Constructed in 1909 this ancient monastery shines with remarkable architecture, following the Tibetan Nyingmapa, one of the oldest teachings of the Tibetan Buddhism school of thought. This location renowned for meditation is thought to have been built here by a Tantric master named Lama Druptob Karpo, who is thought to have miraculously flown here from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim. Stunning Buddhist murals and a splendid statue of Shakyamuni the Buddha along with other revered Tantric deities can be found in the prayer hall.

History of Enchey Monastery Gangtok

Enchey Monastery Gangtok

Enchey Gompa means the “Solitary Monastery.” This monastery is treated as a sacred place because it is thought to be home to the guardian deities Khangchendzonga and Yabdean and today this holy place is home to around 90 monks. Here, according to a legend, Guru Padmasambhava defeated the spirits of the Yabdean Mahākāla and Khangchendzonga. Because of this legend, the religious significance of the ancient monastery is deeply ingrained in every household in Gangtok. It is also believed that these strong deities always grant the wishes of their devotees.

Architect: Showcasing the Sikkim Culture

Enchey Monastery- Gangtok Sikkim

The Enchey Monastery’s architecture is a great example of Sikkim culture. The monastery was first built in the 1840s, and as a result, the small hamlet became a pilgrimage place. However, the monastery as it is seen now was aesthetically built in 1909. It stands at the exact location where La Manchuktube Carbo had his hermitage. The monastery is topped by a shining golden coppola which contains several images of gods, goddesses, and religious objects. The deities enshrined in the monastery include the Buddha Loki Sharia and Guru PadmaSambhava. The walls of the monastery in the large prayer hall are full of paintings depicting the four religious kings and the deities of the four cardinal directions as stated in the scriptures. Additionally, the entire monastery is home to a galaxy of Mahayan Buddhist deities. The four pillars supporting the roof of the monastery are elaborately carved and built under the Nema order, adding to the glory of the architecture.

Festivals

Enchey Monastery Gangtok Sikkim

Detor Cham is one of the festivals of this place that is celebrated every year on the 15th and 19th day of the 12th lunar month. According to the Tibetan calendar that falls in January, the monastery hosts special prayers. The bright and colorful Chaam or religious masked dance takes place at the monastery in January. Additionally, the monastery also celebrates Pang Lhabsol which commemorates the historical union between the Bhutanis and Lepcha people.

The Best Time to Visit Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery Sikkim Gangtok

During prayers, Buddhist monks can also be seen chanting. Every year in December or January the monastery comes alive with color during the Detor Chaam or masked and costume dance. It comes to life at this time of day with vibrant dancers to Tibetan music.

For pleasant weather from March to June and September to October is the best time to visit the Monastery.

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