Pemayangtse Monastery - Revision history

UpdateBot at 15:09, 5 June 2022

2022-06-05T15:09:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 5 June 2022
Line 42:		Line 42:
	==Architecture==		==Architecture==
	[[File:Front_view_of_Pemayangtse_monastery.jpg\|thumb\|left\| Front view of Pemayangtse Monastery]]		[[File:Front_view_of_Pemayangtse_monastery.jpg\|thumb\|left\| Front view of Pemayangtse Monastery]]
	The monastery, located at an elevation of 2085 m, is built with scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains on two sides. Built as a three storied structure, the monastery depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches, deified in various floors. The monastery was damaged by earthquakes in 1913 and 1960 but has been refurbished several times. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order (established in the 8th century by [[Padmasambhāva\|Padmasambhava]]) and characteristic feature seen in this monastery is of statues of ~~Padmasambahva~~ and his two consorts.{{citation needed\|date=August 2012}}		The monastery, located at an elevation of 2085 m, is built with scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains on two sides. Built as a three storied structure, the monastery depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and [[Rinpoche\|Rinpoches]], deified in various floors. The monastery was damaged by earthquakes in 1913 and 1960 but has been refurbished several times. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order (established in the 8th century by [[Padmasambhāva\|Padmasambhava]]) and characteristic feature seen in this monastery is of statues of Padmasambhava and his two consorts.{{citation needed\|date=August 2012}}

	In the main prayer hall ({{convert\|1500\|ft2\|m2}} area), the Dukhang or Lakhang, the main temple, which has colourfully painted doors and windows, depict Tibetan designs. The main statue of ~~Padmasambahva~~ (also known as Guru Rinpoche who revived Buddhism in Tibet and was also the propagator of [[Vajrayana]] or tantric form of Buddhism<ref name=Kohli>{{Cite book\|last=Kohli\|first=M.S.\|title=Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure, Pilgrimage\|pages=324\|access-date=2010-05-10\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L7gIVNzkN2YC&q=Dubdi+Monastery,+Sikkim&pg=PA22\|year=2004\|isbn=9788170999324\|archive-date=23 December 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010545/https://books.google.com/books?id=L7gIVNzkN2YC&q=Dubdi+Monastery%2C+Sikkim&pg=PA22\|url-status=live}}</ref>		In the main prayer hall ({{convert\|1500\|ft2\|m2}} area), the Dukhang or Lakhang, the main temple, which has colourfully painted doors and windows, depict Tibetan designs. The main statue of Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche who revived Buddhism in Tibet and was also the propagator of [[Vajrayana]] or tantric form of Buddhism<ref name=Kohli>{{Cite book\|last=Kohli\|first=M.S.\|title=Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure, Pilgrimage\|pages=324\|access-date=2010-05-10\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L7gIVNzkN2YC&q=Dubdi+Monastery,+Sikkim&pg=PA22\|year=2004\|isbn=9788170999324\|archive-date=23 December 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010545/https://books.google.com/books?id=L7gIVNzkN2YC&q=Dubdi+Monastery%2C+Sikkim&pg=PA22\|url-status=live}}</ref>
	) seen here is in his wrathful form as Dorje Bhurpa Vjarakila with multiple heads and arms.<ref name=Bindloss/><ref name=monasteries>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sikkiminfo.net/monasteries.htm#enchey\|title= Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types\|access-date=2009-10-30}}</ref>		) seen here is in his wrathful form as Dorje Bhurpa Vjarakila with multiple heads and arms.<ref name=Bindloss/><ref name=monasteries>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sikkiminfo.net/monasteries.htm#enchey\|title= Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types\|access-date=2009-10-30}}</ref>

	The monastery, which overlooks the Rabdantse ruins, has well manicured gardens within its compound where the residential accommodation for the monks is also located.<ref name="Bindloss (2009)">{{Cite book\|last=Bindloss\|first=Joe\|title=Northeast India\|page=191\|access-date=2010-05-07\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191\|publisher=Lonely Planet\|year=2009\|isbn=978-1-74179-319-2\|archive-date=23 December 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010546/https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bt" />		The monastery, which overlooks the Rabdantse ruins, has well manicured gardens within its compound where the residential accommodation for the monks is also located.<ref name="Bindloss (2009)">{{Cite book\|last=Bindloss\|first=Joe\|title=Northeast India\|page=191\|access-date=2010-05-07\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191\|publisher=Lonely Planet\|year=2009\|isbn=978-1-74179-319-2\|archive-date=23 December 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010546/https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bt" />
	[[File:Entrance to Pemangytse Gompa.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Entrance to Pemangytse Monastery]]		[[File:Entrance to Pemangytse Gompa.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Entrance to Pemangytse Monastery]]
	~~Padmasambahva~~'s eight incarnations in fierce form are also seen here.<ref name=Bindloss/> The painting has scenes of rainbows, angels with "whole panoply of Buddhas and Bodhistvas". This structure was constructed by Dungzin Rimpoche over a period of 5 years.<ref name="bt"/><ref name=Pema/><ref name=Bindloss/><ref name=West>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sikkimonline.info/sikkim/West_Sikkim\|title=West Sikkim\|access-date=2010-05-06\|publisher=Sikkim Online\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425074548/http://www.sikkimonline.info/sikkim/West_Sikkim\|archive-date=2010-04-25}}</ref>		Padmasambhava's eight incarnations in fierce form are also seen here.<ref name=Bindloss/> The painting has scenes of rainbows, angels with "whole panoply of Buddhas and Bodhistvas". This structure was constructed by Dungzin Rimpoche over a period of 5 years.<ref name="bt"/><ref name=Pema/><ref name=Bindloss/><ref name=West>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sikkimonline.info/sikkim/West_Sikkim\|title=West Sikkim\|access-date=2010-05-06\|publisher=Sikkim Online\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425074548/http://www.sikkimonline.info/sikkim/West_Sikkim\|archive-date=2010-04-25}}</ref>

	==Festival==		==Festival==
Line 58:		Line 58:
	==Refurbishments and conservation==		==Refurbishments and conservation==

	[[File:Preservation efforts.JPG\|thumb\|right\| Preservation efforts at Pemayangtse Monastery]] Over the centuries the monastery has withstood earthquakes and other calamities common in high altitude areas. As a result, the monastery has been damaged time and again which can be spotted in the interiors, especially in the first floor. The Monastery has gone through series of refurbishments and preservation efforts to strengthen the structure. Most notably, on the rear left corner of the monastery the roof was tied to chains which were then planted to solid concrete floor to enable it to withstand the monsoon winds. [[File:Roof chained for protection.JPG\|thumb\|Roof chained for protection]] [[File:Chains buried into solid concrete below.jpg\|thumb\|Chains planted to concrete floor]]		[[File:Preservation efforts.JPG\|thumb\|right\| Preservation efforts at Pemayangtse Monastery]] Over the centuries, the monastery has withstood earthquakes and other calamities common in high altitude areas. As a result, the monastery has been damaged time and again which can be spotted in the interiors, especially on the first floor. The Monastery has gone through series of refurbishments and preservation efforts to strengthen the structure. Most notably, on the rear left corner of the monastery, the roof was tied to chains which were then planted to solid concrete floor to enable it to withstand the monsoon winds. [[File:Roof chained for protection.JPG\|thumb\|Roof chained for protection]] [[File:Chains buried into solid concrete below.jpg\|thumb\|Chains planted to concrete floor]]

	==See also==		==See also==
	* [[Tourism in North East India]]		* [[Tourism in North East India]]
			* [[Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia]]

	==References==		==References==

imported>Ira Leviton: Fixed a typo found with Wikipedia:Typo_Team/moss.

2021-06-26T21:39:11Z

Fixed a typo found with Wikipedia:Typo_Team/moss.

New page

{{Short description|Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox Tibetan Buddhist monastery
|name = Pemayangtse Monastery
|t=
|w=
|image =Main Shrine of Pemangytse Gompa with prayer flags.jpg

|alt =
|caption = Main Shrine of Pemangytse Monastery
|map_type = India Sikkim
|coordinates = {{coord|27|18|16|N|88|15|10|E|type:landmark_region:IN-SK|display=inline,title}}
|map_caption = Location within Sikkim

|location_country = India
|location= [[Pemayangtse]], [[Sikkim]], [[India]]
|founded_by =Lama [[Lhatsun Chempo]]
|founded =1705
|date_renovated =
|sect = [[Nyingma]]
|lineage=
|dedicated_to =
|head_lama =
|no._of_monks =108
|architecture =
|festivals= [[Chaam]], 28 -29th of the 12th Tibetan month.
|footnotes = Nearest town is [[Pelling]]
}}
The '''Pemayangtse Monastery''' is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery in Pemayangtse, near [[Pelling]] in the northeastern [[Indian state]] of [[Sikkim]], located 110 km west of [[Gangtok]].<ref name="bt">{{cite web|url=http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/sikkim/pemayangtse-monastery.html|title=Pemayangtse Monastery|publisher=Buddhist Tourism|access-date=7 November 2009}}</ref> Planned, designed and founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1647, it is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim, also the most famous in Sikkim.<ref name="bt"/><ref name=lotus>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkiminfo.net/pemayangtse.htm|title=The Sublime Perfect Lotus|access-date=2010-05-10|publisher=Sikkimonline|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010547/http://www.sikkiminfo.net/pemayangtse.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally started as a small Lhakhang, it was subsequently enlarged during the reign of the third Chogyal [[Chakdor Namgyal]] and Khenchen Rolpai Dorjee in the year 1705 and consecrated by the third Lhatsun Chenpo Dzogchen Jigme Pawo in the year 1710 C.E. The monastery follows the [[Nyingma]] Order of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and controls all other monasteries of that Order in Sikkim. The monks of this monastery are normally chosen from the [[Bhutia]]s of Sikkim.<ref name=Pema>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkim.nic.in/sws/pem_mon.htm|title=Pemayangtse Monastery|access-date=2010-05-10|publisher=National Informatics Centre}}</ref>

The monastery was built for "pure monks" (''ta-tshang'') meaning "monks of pure lineage", celibate and without any physical abnormality. This practice is still retained. Only the monks of Pemayangtse Monastery are entitled to the title "ta-tshang". The head lama of this monastery had the unique privilege of anointing the Chogyals of the erstwhile monarchy of Sikkim with holy water.<ref name=lotus/><ref name=Joshi>{{Cite book|last=Joshi|first=H.G.|title=Sikkim: past and present|pages=14–15|access-date=2010-05-10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L7gIVNzkN2YC&q=Dubdi+Monastery,+Sikkim&pg=PA22|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=2004|isbn=81-7099-932-4|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010545/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Sikkim/L7gIVNzkN2YC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Dubdi+Monastery,+Sikkim&pg=PA22&printsec=frontcover|url-status=live}}</ref> Pemayangtse means "Perfect Sublime Lotus", and is said to represent one of the four plexus of the human body.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

The Pemayangtse Monastery is part of [[Buddhist]] religious pilgrimage circuit starting with the first monastery at Yuksom known as the [[Dubdi Monastery]], followed by [[Norbugang Chorten]], [[Tashiding Monastery]], the [[Rabdentse]] ruins, the [[Sanga Choeling Monastery]], and the [[Khecheopalri Lake]].<ref name= Choudhury>{{Cite book|last=Choudhury|first=Maitreyee|title=Sikkim: Geographical Perspects|pages=80–81|access-date=2010-05-05|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W9EwNfXkxZwC&q=Dubdi+Monastery%2C+Sikkim&pg=PA81|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=2006|isbn=81-8324-158-1|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010604/https://books.google.com/books?id=W9EwNfXkxZwC&q=Dubdi+Monastery%2C+Sikkim&pg=PA81|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
The history of the monastery is very closely linked to the reign of [[Chakdor Namgyal|Chador Namgyal]] at [[Rabdentse]]. Chador, a very religious person, had taken several initiatives to the spread of Buddhist religion in Sikkim. He had decreed that the second of every three sons of Bhutia family shall be ordained a monk of the Pemayangtse Monastery. During his reign, the Guru Lhakhang Tashiding (1715) was built. He not only patronized Buddhist religious places but also introduced the religious dances (mystery plays) to highlight the martial and native traditions of Sikkim.<ref name=History>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkim.nic.in/sws/sikk_his.htm|title=History of Sikkim|access-date=2009-11-10|publisher=National Informatics Centre, Sikkim|archive-date=14 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214234707/http://www.sikkim.nic.in/sws/sikk_his.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Geography==
The monastery located on a hill top in the west district of Sikkim is at the beginning of the popular Dzongri trek route - [[Yuksom]]-Dzongri-[[Goecha La]] is a trek of 46 km, which was started prior to 1960 and which is the most popular trek in Sikkim<ref name=view>{{Cite web|url=http://scstsenvis.nic.in/newsletter2.html|title=Brief Overview Of Valuation Of Ecotourlsai 1n the S1kkim Himalaya|access-date=2010-05-05|publisher=National Informatics Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728073144/http://scstsenvis.nic.in/newsletter2.html|archive-date=28 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>) to the Kanchendzonga range of hills and [[Khangchendzonga National Park]] (KNP). It is {{convert|7|km|mi}} away from [[Gyalshing]] on the main Pelling road and 44 km away from Pelling. From Upper Pelling on the Geyzing-Pelling road near a [[stupa]], a bypass track of 1.3 km leads to the monastery; [[Pelling]] ({{convert|2040|m|ft}}) is the nearest town to the monastery. The view of Mount Khanchendzonga is said to be a commanding and impressive view from this monastery.<ref name=sikkim>{{Cite web|url=http://sikkim.nic.in/sws/glim_mon.htm|title=Monasteries|work=Dubdi Monastery|access-date=2010-05-05|publisher=National Informatics Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828072311/http://sikkim.nic.in/sws/glim_mon.htm|archive-date=28 August 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Bradnock>{{Cite book|last=Bradnock|first=Roma|title= Footprint India|pages=633–634|access-date=2010-05-06|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nWKaR6LbEGcC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA634|publisher= Footprint Travel Guides|year=2004|isbn= 1-904777-00-7}}</ref><ref name="Bindloss">{{Cite book|last=Bindloss|first=Joe|title=Northeast India|page=189|access-date=2010-05-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191|publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2009|isbn=978-1-74179-319-2|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010545/https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:Front_view_of_Pemayangtse_monastery.jpg|thumb|left| Front view of Pemayangtse Monastery]]
The monastery, located at an elevation of 2085 m, is built with scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains on two sides. Built as a three storied structure, the monastery depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches, deified in various floors. The monastery was damaged by earthquakes in 1913 and 1960 but has been refurbished several times. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order (established in the 8th century by [[Padmasambhāva|Padmasambhava]]) and characteristic feature seen in this monastery is of statues of Padmasambahva and his two consorts.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

In the main prayer hall ({{convert|1500|ft2|m2}} area), the Dukhang or Lakhang, the main temple, which has colourfully painted doors and windows, depict Tibetan designs. The main statue of Padmasambahva (also known as Guru Rinpoche who revived Buddhism in Tibet and was also the propagator of [[Vajrayana]] or tantric form of Buddhism<ref name=Kohli>{{Cite book|last=Kohli|first=M.S.|title=Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure, Pilgrimage|pages=324|access-date=2010-05-10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L7gIVNzkN2YC&q=Dubdi+Monastery,+Sikkim&pg=PA22|year=2004|isbn=9788170999324|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010545/https://books.google.com/books?id=L7gIVNzkN2YC&q=Dubdi+Monastery%2C+Sikkim&pg=PA22|url-status=live}}</ref>
) seen here is in his wrathful form as Dorje Bhurpa Vjarakila with multiple heads and arms.<ref name=Bindloss/><ref name=monasteries>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkiminfo.net/monasteries.htm#enchey|title= Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types|access-date=2009-10-30}}</ref>

The monastery, which overlooks the Rabdantse ruins, has well manicured gardens within its compound where the residential accommodation for the monks is also located.<ref name="Bindloss (2009)">{{Cite book|last=Bindloss|first=Joe|title=Northeast India|page=191|access-date=2010-05-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191|publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2009|isbn=978-1-74179-319-2|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010546/https://books.google.com/books?id=D_bYWjJOe9cC&q=Norbugang+Chorten&pg=PA191|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bt" />
[[File:Entrance to Pemangytse Gompa.jpg|thumb|right|Entrance to Pemangytse Monastery]]
Padmasambahva's eight incarnations in fierce form are also seen here.<ref name=Bindloss/> The painting has scenes of rainbows, angels with "whole panoply of Buddhas and Bodhistvas". This structure was constructed by Dungzin Rimpoche over a period of 5 years.<ref name="bt"/><ref name=Pema/><ref name=Bindloss/><ref name=West>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkimonline.info/sikkim/West_Sikkim|title=West Sikkim|access-date=2010-05-06|publisher=Sikkim Online|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425074548/http://www.sikkimonline.info/sikkim/West_Sikkim|archive-date=2010-04-25}}</ref>

==Festival==
The [[Cham dance]] festival is held every year on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the [[Tibetan calendar]], corresponding to February of the [[Gregorian calendar]]. It is performed by the lamas of this monastery. The lamas dress up as [[Mahākāla]] and Guru Drag-dmar (Sanskrit [[Kīla (Buddhism)|Vajrakila]]) in colourful costumes for the dance performance. Pilgrims from all parts of Sikkim visit the monastery to witness this festival.<ref name="bt"/><ref name=Pema/><ref name=West/><ref name=temple>{{Cite web|url=http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/sikkim/pemayangtse-monastery.html|title=Pemayangtse Monastery|access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref>

On this festive occasion, which marks the conclusion of [[Losar]], on the last day of the festival, a very large and impressive embroidered scroll is displayed. Fireworks display is also a part of the concluding function, symbolizing driving away of evil spirits.<ref name=Bindloss/><ref name=temple/> There are 108 monks in this monastery and they are identified by the red hats that they wear.<ref name=Pema/>

==Refurbishments and conservation==

[[File:Preservation efforts.JPG|thumb|right| Preservation efforts at Pemayangtse Monastery]] Over the centuries the monastery has withstood earthquakes and other calamities common in high altitude areas. As a result, the monastery has been damaged time and again which can be spotted in the interiors, especially in the first floor. The Monastery has gone through series of refurbishments and preservation efforts to strengthen the structure. Most notably, on the rear left corner of the monastery the roof was tied to chains which were then planted to solid concrete floor to enable it to withstand the monsoon winds. [[File:Roof chained for protection.JPG|thumb|Roof chained for protection]] [[File:Chains buried into solid concrete below.jpg|thumb|Chains planted to concrete floor]]

==See also==
* [[Tourism in North East India]]

==References==
{{Commons category}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim}}
{{North East India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures completed in 1705]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]
[[Category:18th-century establishments in Sikkim]]