Human nature is such that they always go after peace and tranquillity. Adventurous tours do not always work. There is a need at times to be close to God so that life goes on smoothly. The sacred aura near the temples or monasteries cannot be compared to anything in this world. The monasteries in Sikkim are some if the locations in India where you cannot resist but close your eyes and feel the God near you.
Sikkim has an approximate of 200 monasteries (Gompas) divided in two orders called Nyingma and Kagyu. These monasteries still are the symbols of ancient ritual practices. On the top of that, their adornment with various frescoes of Buddhist legends and brocade Thangkas doubles its values. While you see all this, wide open your eyes for watching intricate wood work and the icons of silver and gold.
In this particular
Tour of India, the picturesque locations of all the monasteries in Sikkim are worth taking a look. All of them face towards east in the very direction of rising sun. They lie as high as the axis of the hill. The space of meditation is given primary importance and this is why all of them exist in the remote locations.
The monasteries perform the double task of chapel as well as school. They are known by different names like Lhakhang (God's house), Dukhang (a meeting place) or Tsuglakhang (an academy). The very atmosphere of monasteries along with Lamas robed in red makes you feel one with yourself as well as god. All the devotees are lost in the rhythm of drums and trumpets feeling closer with God.
The 'Lhakhang' is the most blessed space of a monastery where the main image of the deity is enshrined. Its walls are decked with murals and 'thankas' paintings. How can a monastery be complete without libraries and books? A monastery without Kangyur and Tengyur is like a book without pages. In this
India Tour, the sacred books of Buddhists are given a special preference.
The interiors of these monasteries are as beautiful as they are themselves in structure. Numerous musical instruments, thankas, mandalas, different poses of Buddha, masks, vajras, bells add to the beauty of the inside world of these monasteries. Each Buddhist can connect to these images and other objects because there is a story behind everything in these monasteries. The acclaimed ones are the images of the Buddha, the Bodhisatvas and the Taras. In the section called Lhakhang and Dukhang, all the images are categorised in the carvings of bronze, gold and silver.
