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PEMAYANGTSE -
About Pemayangtse
Rumtek
24 kms. from Gangtok in Sikkim, is the seat of his holiness, the XVIth
Gyawla Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. The
monastery Pemagyantse is 140 kms. West of Gangtok. The nearest airport to
Gangtok is at Bagdogra (124 kms.) and the nearest railhead is at Siliguri
(114 kms.) and New Jalpaiguri (126 kms.).
The town houses one of the oldest monasteries, with the same name,
Pemayangtse, and has suddenly become a popular destination for the Buddhist
pilgrims, especially the Tibetans. In Pemayangtse, one can realize that
India is a much more diversified country than what is perceived. The
landscapes are, in a way, quite vibrant. Adding to that are the colourful
flags, the green surroundings and simple cultured people that make
Pemayangtse a virtual heaven on earth. Everything that is attached with this
place automatically creates a magical effect on the eyes, be it the
paintings, or the sprawling green landscapes, or the pure oxygen that you
take in, in every breath.
There are
signs of the ancient capital of Sikkim, some of which have been restored
with government funding, are really attractive and worth a definite visit
while in Sikkim. And even if you stay at a hotel room, do open the windows
to see the splendid orchids, butterflies and the cherry trees spread around.
Location
The monastery: The monastery: One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, it
was built by Lhatsun Chempo, a revered Lama, and falls in the southwestern
region of Sikkim. The place is 140 km, on road, from Gangtok. The monastery
stands tall, at 6840 ft, and describes a story of religion and faith that
runs through the blood of pure monks. The matter of fact is that it was
built mainly for the purest of monks, but later on it started serving the
whole community. The Kanchen Junga is at the background, think, it is the
best place to be, especially during the sunrise and sunset hours.
Attraction
The monastery houses some of the ancient antique idols, scriptures and
sculptures that should attract every spiritually motivated pilgrim to this
sacred land. The top floor of the monastery is splendidly built, with
magnificent sculptures and delicately decorated painting works. More than
that, the monastery has its own style of expressing the religious values,
with a charming look and fantastic artistic vibrations.
The most noticeable aspect one sees, in these monasteries is the similarity
of these with the Tibetan monasteries, due to the fact that these are
basically built and nurtured by Tibetans (after they relocated from Tibet).
At an altitude of more than 6000 ft, life becomes more interesting, and for
the mind, it becomes more spiritual than on the sea levels.
Besides, there
are the ruins of Rabdentse palace, the former capital of Sikkim (during 1814
AD), still in the excavation phase, successfully representing the charm and
richness of culture that once existed in this land.
How
to reach
Air - Bagdogra (in West Bengal) is the nearest airport.
Regular flights and helicopter services are available to Gangtok, from
Bagdogra.
Rail - Siliguri (114 km) is the nearest station, but New
Jalpaiguri (125 km) could be a better option.
Road - The gateway of Pemayangtse is through Pelling.
Good motorable roads connect Pelling to Pemayangtse, and also to Gangtok,
the state capital. The distance of Pemayangtse from Gangtok, through
Rabongia is nearly 120 km.
N.B- Foreign tourists might need to obtain a permit, to visit
Sikkim, which are easily available in major cities, including Siliguri.
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