Ralang Monastery: Apart from cultural diversity, monasteries in India are a personification of spirituality and peace. Monasteries are considered to be one of the holiest and spiritual places in the country. Every year, millions of people from all corners of the world throng to these monasteries in search of perpetual peace. Buddhist monasteries are the most favored of all.These monasteries, mostly located in the northern and eastern parts of India are extremely popular. Besides, some of them even greatly depicts the life and teachings of Buddha.
Monasteries also represent beautiful architecture and reveal a considerable part of history. If you are someone fascinated by traditional architectural craftsmanship and man-made attraction, Sikkim is just the right destination for you.The spell of Buddhist culture in this place will drive you overwhelmed as you experience the impression of the profound aesthetic aspect of reality.
Despite being tiny, the Himalayan state of Sikkim is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire North-East belt of the country. Regardless of thriving modernity, this place boasts of a plethora of religious sites with exquisite and magnificent architecture.
Ralang Monastery At A Glance
Among many of its attractions, Ralang Monastery is beyond comparison to any other monasteries in Sikkim. Exotic in its very essence. It has its roots set in the history of the Buddhist community in Sikkim.Ralang Monastery deserves to be on the must-to-do list of every traveler’s tour journal while exploring Sikkim. It is undoubtedly an attraction that is a must-visit for those craving to explore the unique and off-beat places in Sikkim.
To start with the physical aspects, the monastery’s glaze and charm convey a welcoming feeling to the visitors. Ralang Monastery has an extensive collection of paintings and thangkas that reflect the splendor of Buddhist art.
Significance & Truth Of Its Origin
Located in Ravangla, the architecture of the monastery is such that it radiates the alluring elegance of Buddhism. The paintings on the monastery portray descriptions from Buddhist manuscripts. Travelers upon visiting the monastery take tremendous satisfaction to immerse themselves in the comfort of archaic myths and legends that enfold the monastery.
The story that laid the foundation stone for Ralang Monastery is that “when the fourth Chogyal while returning from his pilgrimage, the 9th Karmapa threw grains of rice from Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet during Rabney (blessing) ceremony. The grains fell at this site. Consequently, the decision of constructing a monastery was born”.
Getting There & What To Expect?
Ralang Monastery is 13 km from Ravangla, one can get a cab from the city to reach the trekking point leading towards the monastery. You need to follow the trail to make it to this famous Gumpa. A festival is celebrated by the name of Pang Lhabsol is celebrated every year in August to commemorate the teachings of Buddha. The celebration is highly revered by the devotees and also is attended by thousands of visitors every year.
Ralang Monastery stands as a strong symbol of “Serenity and Man-made Beauty’’ in Sikkim. Monasteries are not just places where one can seek enlightenment to pave the way through intricate twists and turns of life but also a place where one can experience spirituality. So, come witness and fall in love with the extravagant history of art and architecture of one’s culture and spirituality. Ralang4Ralang Monastery stands as a strong symbol of “Serenity and Man-made Beauty’’ in Sikkim.
Monasteries are not just places where one can seek enlightenment to pave the way through intricate twists and turns of life but also a place where one can experience spirituality. So, come witness and fall in love with the extravagant history of art and architecture of one’s culture and spirituality.Also Read: Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
