Detail of Dubdi Monastery (Sikkim) History & Architecture

The Dubdi Monastery is regarded as one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim and thereby is one amongst the most visited monasteries as well. The Dubdi Monastery is also known as the Yuksom Monastery and belongs to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. The Dubdi Monastery is situated in the west Sikkim and so is blessed with that divine natural and scenic beauty. It was in the year 1701 that the Dubdi Monastery was established at Yuksom, by Chogyar Namgyal. Today the Dubdi Monastery is one of the major stops for the pilgrims as it is a part of the pilgrimage circuit which includes monasteries, lakes and ruins like the Norbugang Chorten, Pemayangtse, Sanga Choeling, Rabdentse ruins, Tashiding and Khecheopalri Lake.

As The Dubdi Monastery was established in the year 1701 it is known to be one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim and thereby is located at a very spectacular site. To be exact, the Dubdi Monastery is about 3 km from Yuksom and will take almost an hour for you to reach it on your foot. The Dubdi Monastery is situated on the top of the hill and it is this very location which gives that edge to it over the other monasteries in Sikkim. Long ago it was also known as the "Hermit's cell". You will be amazed to know the meaning of the very word "Dubdi" in local language which is "the retreat". So when the meaning of the name of the monastery is itself retreat, then you can surely know by now what to expect once you are at the monastery.

Dubdi Monastery Mythology & History

The Dubdi Monastery is amongst the few monasteries which has its mythology connected to the founding of the very state of Sikkim. To be exact it was in the mid-17th century that Yuksom was also considered a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim. Apart from Chogyar Namgyal the person involved in its foundation is Lhetsum Chenpo. Even today you shall spot the image of Chenpo in Dubdi Monastery as it was he who commemorated Yuksom to the Kingdom of Sikkim. Today it is the Dubdi Monastery alone which is representing the architecture of the era when the monasteries were at its very initial stage of being made in Sikkim. The other three monasteries which were built in the same reign are in ruins today.

Dubdi Monastery Architecture

The Dubdi Monastery is having an architecture which resembles the Tibetan Style and has got many images of the saints, divinities, statues and murals in it. The Dubdi Monastery is situated on an altitude of about 7000 feet above the ground which indeed adds on to the architecture and beauty of the monastery. The monastery has two floors and faces towards the South direction. It has a square plan which makes it even more apt and strong. You can spot here extravagant collection of old manuscripts and texts. The main attraction of the monastery includes the statue of the three lamas who are considered to be the founders of Yuksom.

This monastery which is built of stones has a bell shaped gilded dome which is called the "Gyaltshen". The Dubdi Monastery has roof which is protected by iron sheets and a tapering tower as well. The Dubdi Monastery is very famous as the manuscripts and texts which belong to the Chogyar Namgyal reign are still intact here. It is because of the collection of such historical entities we can get a clear picture of not just today but the glorified and historic yesterday as well.

Festivals at Dubdi Monastery

The Dubdi Monastery celebrates all the festivals which are included in the Tibetan Buddhism rituals. The most famous festival celebrated here is the Tibetan New Year, which is celebrated with utmost joy and happiness. It is one of the most important festival celebrated here and would get to enjoy the most beautiful feature of the Himalayan beauty. This festival is celebrated on the 28th and the 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar. So pack up your bags and experience the whole new world which the Dubdi Monastery has got to offer you!