Detail of Ralang Monastery (Sikkim) History & Architecture

The Ralang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of Sikkim. It is situated in the southern region of Sikkim and thereby is just 6 km away from Ravangla. To be exact if you take a drive from Ravangla then you shall reach the Ralang Monastery in just 20 minutes.

The Ralang Monastery is situated about 8000 feet above the ground and it is this elevation which provides remarkable scenic beauty to the visitors. And it is the surroundings of the monastery which captivates many tourists each year. You can imagine the scenery of the colorful monastery surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of Himalayas. It is here that you can spot very famous mountains like the Khangchendzonga, Pandim, Sinichalu and Kabru. The best time to visit the Ralang Monastery is in the months of April and May as it is during this time that thousands of flowers bloom here and provide you a spectacular view. One thing is for sure that when you visit the Ralang Monastery your camera shall not have rest even for a minute as the place has a lot to offer which is beyond your imagination.

Ralang Monastery Mythology & History

The Ralang Monastery follows the customs and traditions of the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism. It is believed that the Ralang Monastery was built after the fourth Chogyal went on his pilgrimage visit. It is said that the Ralang monastery today stands tall at the very place where the fourth Chogyal threw the grains which he brought from the Tsurphu Monastery (Tibet) and this all was noticed by the devotees and so became a popular in Sikkim. And so this very place where the grains fell became the site of the Ralang Monastery.

Ralang Monastery Architecture

The Ralang Monastery is having a Tibetan style of architecture and is a true architectural marvel indeed. The monastery is situated in a very beautiful and scenic environment. The Ralang Monastery looks very colorful and gives you that feeling to stay and enjoy every bit of it. The monastery is not in the original state as it has undergone reconstruction by the government during the period 1975-1981.

The main highlights of the Ralang Monastery are the antique and historic paintings, statues and murals. The Ralang Monastery is a home to about 100 monks and thereby it is these monks who take care of the monastery.

Festivals at Ralang Monastery

The Ralang Monastery celebrates almost all the festivals which one can find as per the Buddhism rituals and customs. But there are three festivals which are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The three festivals are: "Pang Lhabsol", "Kagyad" and the "Losoong". To describe in detail, the first being the Pang Lhabsol is the festival in which the mighty Mount Khangchendzonga is worshipped. The second being the Kagyad festival is celebrated each year in the seventh month of Tibetan calendar that is on the 15th day. And last but not the least the third festival being Losoong festival which is also known as the Sikkimese New Year. The highlight of these festivals is the "Chaam dance" which is performed with the colorful masks by the monks of the monastery. Apart from these festivals the other attraction which pulls the tourists towards Ralang Monastery is the "Mahakala Dance" which takes place each year in the month of November.

So you have got many reasons to visit the Ralang Monastery as it provides you scenic beauty, peacefulness which only a spiritual place can provide, colorful and interesting Ralang Monastery. So when you have so many reasons, this holiday visit Ralang Monastery!