In close proximity of Gangtok, stands the Enchey monastery (3 km away from the town centre) on a hill top. The site on which the monastery stands is believed to be blessed by the famous tantric master Druptob Karpo. It is said that this revered tantric, who had flying prowess, flew to this site from Maenam Hill in south Sikkim and built a small hermitage. Later, during the reign of Sikyong Tulku in the mid nineteenth century, the monastery was constructed in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda.
Enchey Monastery is an important seat of the Nyingmapa order of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism with around 90 monks. The building of the monastery is a small and simple two sotrey structure surrounded by tall pine trees. The highlight of the monastery are the murals depicting the protective deity and wheel of law on the porch. Also to be seen are the conch shells that are regarded propitious Buddhist symbols.
The three Gods revered in this monastery are Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava.
Festival
The yearly festival of Enchey is celebrated on the the 18th to 19th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar (January). The festival is marked by monk dance, Thamar Chaam, which though not as elaborate and grand as the one (Singhe Chham) performed every third year in the monastery, is nevertheless interesting. The monastery also celebrates the festival of Pang Lhabsol which marks the coming together of the Bhutias and the Lepchas.
Gangtok
Gantok, the capital of Sikkim, is the most convenient base to visit the Enchey Monastery. It is located on a hilltop which gives it its name (Gangtok means hill top). Gangtok attracts tourists mostly because of its Buddhist past and opportunity to view the magnificent Mt Khangchendzonga. Moreover, there is also an opportunity to shop for items like Buddhist thankas in this town.
Other Attractions
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: The institute is located in Gangtok and is renowned world over as an important centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion. Scholars from all over the world frequent this institute and explore its large repository of old Tibetan books and manuscripts on science, medicine and astrology. Other than this, the centre also stores a range of Lepcha and Sanskrit manuscript as well as scrolls of ancient vintage. A museum, exhibiting over 200 icons, thankas and ritual vessel, is attached to the institute. It stays open from 10 am to 4 pm..
- Do Drul Chorten: Situated a little distance away from the institute is the Do Drul Chorten topped by a gilded tower. The succedding steps of the tower signify the thirteen steps to nirvana. Symbols of sun and moon at the top are reflective of the coming together of opposite and the elements of air and ether. A total of 108 prayer wheels surrounding the stupa are rotated by the devotees during their circumambulation of the stupa. Close to the stupa is a prayer hall devoted to the Padmasambhava who was responsible for the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.
- Tsuklakhang: This chapel is located at one end of the Royal Palace which is not open for the tourists without permission. However, sometimes entry is granted into the chapel to those who are without any camera. The chapel with yellow roof has beautiful murals, Buddhist images and commendable collections of manuscripts as its main attractions. The lama dance, Kagyat, performed during the end of December, is yet another attraction of this chapel. Moreover, this dance is open for common public to see and enjoy.
How to Reach
By Air - Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the closest airport to reach Gangtok, around 134 km away. Daily helicopter services link Bagdogra and Guwahati.
By Rail - The nearest rail head is at New Jal Paiguri, 125 km away. It is well connected to Kolkata and Delhi.
By Road - NH 31 and 31A links Gangtok to Siliguri. Roadways also connect Gangtok to Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
