Detail of Sangachoeling Monastery (Sikkim) History & Architecture

The Sangachoeling Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim and so has a lot to offer. It was established in the 17th century and the person who had the vision behind it and made this vision be a reality is Lama Lhatsun Chempo. The word "Sangachoeling" means "Island of the Guhyamantra Teachings". The Sangochoeling Monastery is about 7 km away from the Pemayangtse Monastery and if you choose the hilly track which is through the rich forest cover then the Sangachoeling Monastery is just 4 km away.

To be exact, the Sangachoeling Monastery is the second oldest Monastery of Sikkim and is a home for about 300 monks who are even today studying the traditional aspects of Vajrayana sect of Buddhism. The senior monks of the Monastery everyday take charge of the evening and morning prayers.

The Sangachoeling Monastery is a part of the Buddhist circuit which includes monasteries like the Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse, Tashiding Monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Yuksom, Kheheopalri Lake and Norbugang Chorten. And as a result of this very reason, the Sangachoeling Monastery is one of the most visited Monasteries of Sikkim.

Sangachoeling Monastery Mythology & History

The Sangachoeling Monastery was built in the year 1697 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo and thereby is become an essential entity among the people of Sikkim. The name of the monastery literally means "the land of secret spells". As a result of the monastery being a religious place you will be able to witness extreme peacefulness. You would be amazed to know that even today on the 10th day of every month that is as per the Tibetan Calendar there are religious hymns been recited here and this very ritual continues ever since the monastery was built.

Sangachoeling Monastery Architecture

The Sangachoeling Monastery looks like any other monastery but what makes it special is the scenic beauty which indeed makes it a much better place to be. The Sangachoeling Monastery's architecture resembles to look like it belongs to the rich and epic part of history. Inside the monastery you can also spot statues, paintings and artwork which belong to the 17th century.

To look at, the Sangachoeling Monastery can be easily identified to be a Tibetan Monastery as the style of architecture is purely Tibetan. The most fascinating thing about the Sangachoeling Monastery is that it houses old Buddhist Crematorium named "Dhuthoe" which is about three centuries old. People of Buddhist faith come to just visit this holy crematory. The Sangachoeling Monastery is famous for ancient paintings, accessories and clay statues etc.

One of the best things about the architecture of the Sangachoeling Monastery is that the ceiling of it is constructed at a height which makes the monastery look spacious and grand. The area around the Sangachoeling Monastery is very appropriate to do meditation and it is from this very monastery that you will be able to view the mighty and beautiful Himalayas.

Festivals at Sangachoeling Monastery

The Sangachoeling Monastery is famous for celebrating all the festivals of Buddhism religion. It is here that almost all the festivals of the Buddhism religion are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. The festivals which are celebrated here include lot of fun and frolic activities. The masked dances are very popular among the people visiting the monastery year after year. It is not just that the people from the Buddhism religion visit the place for celebration, instead people irrespective of the religion they belong to come and enjoy the festivities of the Monastery.