Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery



Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery, Sikkim

Detail of Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery (Sikkim) History & Architecture


The Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is situated at the place called Lingdum which is in the eastern region of Sikkim and thereby is just 20 km away from the capital city of the state, Gangtok. To give a vague idea about the time the journey requires from Gangtok is 45 minutes. You would be amazed to know that there are about 180 different Monasteries in Sikkim which makes it a state with highest number of monasteries in the entire country of India. However, the Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery has managed to make a different identity in terms of being a tourist attraction, so you can imagine what kind of a place it might be.

Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery Mythology & History

The Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is named after the 12th successive incarnation of the Zurmang Gharwang Tulkus "Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche". He was given this recognition be the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. The Gurwang Tulkus began to establish their beliefs and rituals ever since the 14th century. The Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is indeed a symbol of the sense of belief in their religion, customs and traditions.

Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery Architecture

The Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is one amongst the best examples which can be stated for the Tibetan Monastic architecture as it has got all the entities which are showcased in the Tibetan style of architecture. The Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is situated on a very large area and thereby is very spacious.

The entrance of the monastery is such that royalty can be felt as there are stairs which come down majestically at the entrance. The Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery has got two floors and from outside the floors are covered with incredible and artistic architectural Tibetan canopies. The structure of the Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery from outside looks very colorful unlike the other monasteries in Sikkim. All in all, the monastery looks very attractive.

The greenery at the sides of the staircase which is at entrance adds that extra charm and attraction to the entire monastery.

The Buddhist sculptures inside are one of the main attractions of the monastery as they are very old yet still in a presentable position. However, the center of attraction of the Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is the "Golden Buddha Statue" which looks amazingly beautiful indeed.

You have these paintings being crafted on the walls of the Monastery which are really amazing. And it is here you may find a lot many people taking photographs. The architecture is such that you will refuse to keep your camera aside even for a while.

There are several Monks and Lamas who stay in the monastery and thereby, take care of the entire monastery. There is this huge place present in front of the monastery where you may spot young Lamas playing and having a fun time. But they always do not have the fun time as they are trained to be a good Monk in the future at this very place.

Festivals at Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery

The Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is famous for celebrating all the festivals with equal enthusiasm and joy. So you can come over here on the occasion of any festival related to the Buddhism or Tibetan culture. One thing is for sure you will not be disappointed on being here.

But still the most famous of all the celebrations which takes place here is the Tibetan New Year festival. In all the festivals you will be able to spot the masked dances with that catchy music. In Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery you will definitely have an experience of a life time. So, visit Sikkim! Visit Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery!