Tashiding Monastery

Representing spirituality and cultural heritage, this old revered temple is perched pleasantly on a hill between the Rathong and Rangeet rivers in the western part of Sikkim and belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Being visited and respected by many, it ranks among the popular tourist places to visit in Pelling.

Generally considered to be among the finest temples discovered in Sikkim and sometimes called the "Heart of Sikkim," it possesses immense religious importance. The building construction of the church can be associated as far back as the 17th century, which is full of stories and history. According to local beliefs, this place was blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, and this blesses the atmosphere with sanctity.

History

Tashiding has many interesting tales that show its history and significance. Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing built the monastery in 1641 CE. He was one of the three monks who helped crown Sikkim's first king.

On that fatal day, he saw a divine beam of light fall from Kanchendzonga onto a nearby hilltop. They saw this heavenly sign as a signal to build the Tashiding Monastery in that holy place. Another story tells that Guru Padmasambhava shot an arrow into the sky, and it fell right where Tashiding Monastery is located now.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights of the Monastery

Everything in the monastery appears old and bright, from the murals, wood carvings, and prayer wheels, to the rich artistic traditions of the region. Tashiding Monastery is a place for prayer and cultural activities, including dance, festivals, and rituals. 

These events attract both worshippers and interested visitors all year round. Bumchu is a yearly festival that takes place in the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. This day is very important for the church, and people celebrate it with a lot of enthusiasm, sharing its spiritual past.

Festivals Celebrated at Tashiding Monastery

Tashiding Monastery organizes lively events such as Bhumchu, where monks open a special pot to predict the future. The Tibetan New Year, known as Lhosar, is marked with prayers, traditions, and traditional dances. 

Monlam Chenmo, which is otherwise referred to as the Great Prayer Festival, is a prayer gathering by the masters and the students in praying for peace. It should, therefore, form part of the Pelling tour packages in the sense that the culture should be understood emotionally, and felt different with respect to these events.