Detail of Ranka Monastery (Sikkim) History & Architecture

The Ranka Monastery which is about 20 km away from Gangtok, (the capital city of Sikkim) is one of the most visited places of this very state. If you ask me then, it is the Ranka Monastery in Sikkim which has got one amongst the most attractive scenic beauty. The Ranka Monastery is also known as the Lingdum Monastery and thereby is spread out in a very vast area of the Eastern Sikkim. The only reason that it has not been much talked about is that it has not got much of the historical importance attached with it. This very fact is unlike the other Monasteries of Sikkim.

However, in-spite of no historical importance I would personally skip many other attractions of Sikkim just to visit this very Monastery as it has got immense natural and scenic beauty. The Ranka Monastery is surrounded by lush forested mountains. You will be amazed to know that it is the scenic beauty of the place that several Bollywood movies have been shot here. It is also said that Bollywood star Aamir Khan had lunch at restaurant which is nearby the Ranka Monastery.

The Ranka Monastery is situated in the hilly areas of Sikkim and so you should make it a point to visit it in vehicles like Scorpio or Innova. According to my experience the journey is worth every effort you make to reach it.

Ranka Monastery Mythology & History

The Ranka Monastery follows the principles of the Zurmang Kagyud which is a sect of the Buddhism. However, the Monastery still runs under the 12th successor of Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche. The Monastery has got no mythological importance like other Monasteries but no doubt has got immense natural and scenic beauty and thereby, is one of the most picturesque places of Sikkim.

Ranka Monastery Architecture:

The Ranka Monastery has an architecture which appears like any other Monastery but it is the beautiful surroundings which sought of uplift the place. The Monastery has got 2 stores above the ground floor and is spread out on a very large area which makes it really spacious. When you shall enter in the courtyard of the Monastery then the first thing which you shall notice is a large pillar like structure which gives a majestic look to the Monastery.

It is on the upstairs and the courtyard that you shall also observe young Lamas studying and taking care of the Monastery. The Monastery is built very artistically and in a colorful manner. The architecture of the Monastery seems to be well planned, as every aspect of the requirement is fulfilled as per the architectural aspects. Important features which I can list about the Monastery are: systematic, spacious, beautiful and antique.

The staircase of the Monastery will lead you to the inner sanctum which is considered to be the main attraction of the entire Monastery. The Sanctum seems to look as a prayer hall with the statue of Buddha situated in the central end of the hall and low tables lying in front of the statue. It is here that the Lamas recite the holy books. The walls of this prayer hall are decorated with beautiful hand paintings and towards the entrance of the prayer hall you shall find a donation box.

Just at the backside of the Ranka Monastery there is also a retreat center where the Lamas meditate for long hours.

Festivals at Ranka Monastery

The most celebrated festival at the Ranka Monastery is the Tibetan New Year Celebrations. It is during this time that the place literally comes to life with the colorful masked dances, religious offerings and the vibrancy of the festive mood.