Sangachoeling Monastery In Pelling

Sangachoeling Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim after Pemayangtse Monastery. Sangachoeling Monastery is considered to be a very sacred one by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect. This monastery is seated on the top of a high ridge. From Pelling you can reach Sangachoeling Monastery in forty-five minutes. This monastery is so close to Pelling that it seems it is in Pelling itself. Sangachoeling Monastery in Pelling is just opposite to Pemayangtse Monastery. Only Bhutia and Lepcha communities are allowed to go inside the Sangachoeling Monastery; other ethnic groups are strictly prohibited.

Among all the Buddhists in Sikkim, the monastery of Sangachoeling inspires its believers for a strong dedication. The word-'Sangachoeling' literally means 'the land of divine teaching'. The traditions of this monastery are abundant and affluent which are applicable to every monastery in Sikkim but, there is much more about this monastery which is uncommon in comparison to other monasteries. There are many features of this monastery which are uncommon and extra ordinary. Its subtle development of Buddhist minds, its rich history and its brilliant architecture make the Sangachoeling Monastery a unique monastery with its head held high up in Sikkim.

Lhatsun Chempo is given the credit to build this grand and outstanding monastery of Sikkim. It belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism which saw its construction in the year 1697. Inside the Sangachoeling Monastery, there are some statues made up of clay. These clay statues will caste a spell bound when you'll exchange glances with them.

Throughout the state of Sikkim, the Sangachoeling Monastery is revered at a very high degree by all the Buddhists of this state. This monastery used to be a learning centre of excellent repute where monks used to come from the Pemayangtse Monastery in order to teach here. There is a great majority of monks who try to get an admission in this monastery till date as it is already mentioned that this monastery is renowned because of being a great learning seat. Sangachoeling Monastery is such a monastery which is purely meant for learning. Here you can see several young student monks as primary level of monks is also at this monastery.

There is an old crematorium near the Sangachoeling Monastery which was once used for cremation has crossed three centuries. This crematorium is considered to be a very sacred one. This crematorium is believed to be the site that has witnessed the cremation of Lhatsun Namkha Zigme. The belongings of Lhatsun Namkha Zigme were preserved here until the Sikkim-Nepal war broke out. Then, in order to save the relics from the Nepalese army, the monks sent those relics very secretly to the Tumlong Monastery.

Monks and novices do the pooja ceremony at Sangachoeling Monastery in Pelling on a very grand scale. During the Pooja also, only the families of Bhutia and Lepcha are admissible inside the monastery. Here you will experience the richness of Buddhist traditions, the importance given to learning and serenity in the atmosphere. Visit this monastery to experience its magic.