Phodong Monastery

4.6

Location: CH7M+4GW, Sikkim 737119, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour.

Phodong Monastery (or Phodang Monastery), one of Sikkim’s most stunning monasteries, is set at 4,500 feet. In addition to taking in the spiritual atmosphere here, you may also enjoy a beautiful visual pleasure. Nearly 260 Kagyu monks live there. Tourists will be amazed by the delicacy of those times when they see the paintings, frescoes, and murals that decorate the interiors. Two further monasteries, Phensang and Labrang, are nearby. These monasteries are located along the North Sikkim Highway and are easily accessible by taxi, jeep, and automobile. You embark on a voyage of self-discovery while visiting this monastery in this magnificent setting.

Attraction

A significant tourist destination in Sikkim, Phodong Monastery is home to over 260 Kagyu lineage monks. Anyone will be amazed by the stunning murals, paintings, and frescoes that grace the monastery’s walls. The area is serene, and it will undoubtedly relax your inner spirit.

History

The Phodong Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that dates back to the early 18th century, but there was an earlier monastery there. The ruler of Sikkim extended an invitation to the 9th Karmapa, who established three monasteries there. Another of them is Phodong. About 260 monks live in the monastery, which houses a sizable collection of historic murals.

Inside/Outside Views

You will be astounded by how tastefully the structures are arranged in a sizable and well-maintained arena when you enter Phodong Monastery through its main gate and grounds. Right after the entrance, a sizable parking lot is on the left. The entire outside area of the monastery complex has paved, immaculate flooring. Although it is at the back of the building, you can see the main monastery structure straight ahead. To enter the main temple, the “Lhakhang!” you must turn around and enter from the opposite side. The main monastery building is constructed in traditional Tibetan style.
A sizable area (the front porch) is in front of the monastery’s front face, with stunning views of the mountains and the valley as its backdrop. A structure at the end of this porch is used for significant religious occasions. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful within the main temple of the monastery. Low-height tables are arranged on either side of the chamber, where the lamas use them while seated on the floor and working at them. Among other statues, there is one of Buddha along the back wall. The monastery is elaborate, with various historical murals and exquisite paintings. The edges of the monastery grounds feature a line of several smaller structures arranged in a row. These are where the lamas and monks live. This monastery houses roughly 260 monks. Within the monastery grounds, next to the main gate, there is a Sikkim Tourism Office.