Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi Monastery, also known as Yuksom Monastery, is a significant Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect, renowned as the oldest in Sikkim. Established in 1701, it played a crucial role in the founding of the Kingdom of Sikkim and is part of a vital Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1701 by Chogyal Namgyal, it is considered the oldest monastery in Sikkim.
- ›It was founded by the ascetic Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, also known as Lhetsum Chenpo, who was instrumental in the crowning of Sikkim's first king.
- ›The monastery is a two-storied stone structure with a tapering tower and a flat roof topped with a gilded dome.
- ›It houses images of divinities, saints, a collection of manuscripts and ritual texts, and statues of the three lamas who established Yuksom.
- ›Dubdi Monastery is part of a Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit that includes other important sites in Sikkim.
- ›The monastery is located on a hill approximately 3 kilometers from Yuksom.
Important Relationships
- Chogyal Namgyal
- Lhatsun Namkha Jigme (Lhetsum Chenpo)
- Phuntsog Namgyal
- Norbugang Chorten
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Rabdentse ruins
- Sanga Choeling Monastery
- Khecheopalri Lake
- Tashiding Monastery
- Gilded Dome
- Collection of Manuscripts and Ritual Texts
- Statues of the Three Lamas Who Established Yuksom
- Elaborately Painted Interior
- Establishment of the Kingdom of Sikkim
- Founding of the Monastery To Commemorate the Founding of the Kingdom of Sikkim
Stone Structure, Two-Storied
About Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi Monastery, also known as Yuksom Monastery, is a historically significant Buddhist monastery belonging to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Located near Yuksom in the West Sikkim district of Northeastern India, it holds the distinction of being the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Established in 1701 by Chogyal Namgyal, its founding is closely linked to the establishment of the Kingdom of Sikkim in the mid-17th century.
History and Founding
The monastery's origins are deeply intertwined with the history of Sikkim. It was founded by the ascetic Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, also referred to as Lhetsum Chenpo, who was instrumental in meeting with two other lamas and crowning Phuntsog Namgyal as the first King of Sikkim at Norbugang near Yuksom in 1642. Dubdi Monastery was built to commemorate this pivotal event in the kingdom's formation. It is noted as the sole surviving monastery out of four that were established at that time, with the locations of the other three now marked by natural features or chortens.
Architecture and Contents
Situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters (7,000 ft) on a spur, Dubdi Monastery is a two-storied structure built of stone. The building is square in plan and faces south. It features a tapering tower crowned with a flat roof made of iron sheets, adorned with projecting eaves and a bell-shaped gilded dome known as a "Gyaltshen." The interior of the monastery is elaborately painted and houses various images of divinities, saints, and other religious symbols. A significant collection of manuscripts and ritual texts are preserved within its two side aisles. Additionally, statues of the three lamas who were responsible for the establishment of Yuksom are installed within the monastery.
Significance and Accessibility
Dubdi Monastery is a key component of the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit in Sikkim, which includes other sacred sites like Norbugang Chorten, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Tashiding Monastery. Historically, the monastery housed thirty monks; however, currently, only one monk resides there. Visitors wishing to access the monastery must inform the resident monk in advance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dubdi Monastery founded?
Dubdi Monastery was established in 1701. It is professed to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim.
Who founded Dubdi Monastery?
The monastery was established by Chogyal Namgyal. It is also associated with the ascetic founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, also known as Lhetsum Chenpo, who is credited with its founding to commemorate the establishment of the Kingdom of Sikkim.
What is Dubdi Monastery known for?
Dubdi Monastery is known for being the oldest monastery in Sikkim and for its historical significance in the founding of the state. It is also part of an important Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
What is the architecture of Dubdi Monastery like?
Dubdi Monastery is a two-storied stone structure built in a square plan and facing south. It features a tapering tower with a flat roof made of iron sheets and a bell-shaped gilded dome known as a 'Gyaltshen'.
What can be found inside Dubdi Monastery?
The monastery has an elaborately painted interior housing images of divinities and saints, a collection of manuscripts and ritual texts, and statues of the three lamas responsible for establishing Yuksom.
Where is Dubdi Monastery located?
Dubdi Monastery is located near Yuksom, in the Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district, in Northeastern India. It is situated on top of a hill, about an hour's walk from Yuksom.
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