Labrang Monastery

Labrang or Lhabrung Monastery is a Buddhist temple located in Sikkim, in northeastern India. It is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa tradition in Northern Sikkim and one of the best places to visit in Gangtok.

Labrang means 'the home of lamas'. It belongs to the Nyingmapa tradition. It was ordered by Gyalshe Rigzing Chempo in 1826 and finished in 1843. Gyalshe Rigzing Chempo was the son of the seventh king, Tsugphud Namgyal. People recognized him as a reincarnation of Khenchen Thinlay Rolpai Dorje, the first Head Lama of Pemayangtse Monastery. The government mostly restored the church in 1978.

Architecture and Layout of Lhabrung Monastery

Labrang Monastery is an old building with a beautiful charm. This Buddhist shrine is unique because it has kept its original design. It features white walls and golden roofs in a blend of Tibetan and Indian architectural styles. At the Labrang Monastery, you can see the paintings in the prayer hall. If you come in early December, you might also see the famous Chaam Dance.

This popular site was built to honor Latsun Chembo of Kongpu, who founded the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism. Labrang Monastery has around six schools for learning, a golden stupa, 18 rooms, a place for sutra debates, and about 60,000 sutras. There is also a museum that has a collection of Buddha figurines, sutras, and paintings, including Tibetan language books, history books, books on medicines, music, art, calendars, etc.

Festivals and Rituals

The Monlam Festival is the biggest and most important religious event at Labrang Monastery. The purpose of this holiday is to ask for the Buddha's teachings to thrive, for good harvests, and for everyone's well-being throughout the year. Many Gangtok tour packages include visits to Labrang Monastery during this vibrant festival.

Labrang Monastery is a great place to visit. Besides seeing the impressive building, you can also check out the museum, which has statues, scriptures, paintings, language books, and music. This monastery is 2 kilometers away from Phodong Monastery, another site worth visiting.