Enchey Monastery, Gangtok

The Enchey monastery in Gangtok is located in the higher altitude is around 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the white hall and in a close distance from the looming TV tower. The founder of this monastery Lama Dhrupthob Karpo is known to have come from the south of Sikkim to this location. This story took place around 200 years ago in the year 1840 and he was believed to be a famous lama who performed a superhuman acts.

The architecture of Gangtok Enchey Monastery is done brilliantly in a Chinese Pagoda style. The structure stood the test of time, however, some portions were damaged due to natural calamity and other elements but the architecture was restored by the king of Sikkim Sikyong Tulku in the year 1908. The structure is believed to be a unique style of architecture which is an artistic adaption of the sacred mountain with five peaks in chine or Gyanak Riwo Tse-Nga. To visit this spiritual location you must know some of the important details about the place.

Quick Glance

Location: Gangtok, East Sikkim, Sikkim, India

Festivals: Singhe Chaam, Chaam Dance, and Pang Lhabsol

Established: 1909

Visit duration: 1-2 hours

Timing: 6:00 am – 4:00 pm

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Best time to visit Gangtok:

The best time to visit Gangtok is during its peak season which falls between September and June. This season draws countless tourists to this place for vacations and sightseeing. The other seasons are also perfect to visit Gangtok.

Architecture

• The architecture of this monastery is brilliantly done by the eighth Chogyal and the popularity of this perfect structure turned Gangtok into a famous pilgrimage place.
• The structure was aesthetically built-in 1909 and resembled one of the two famous styles of architecture in Gangtok called Chinese Pagoda.
• The monastery is said to be built at the exact spot where the Lama Druotub Karbo had the hermitage and topped with a shining golden cupola.
• The monastery has many images and idols of gods, goddesses, and some religious objects. Some of the idols in the monastery are Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Loki Sharia.
• The walls in the monastery consist of a large prayer hall which is again covered with some of the beautiful murals and paintings of the religious kings.
• You will find the four pillars of the monastery with brilliant windows that are beautifully carved and painted. It holds the four pillars of the monastery for support. Some of the scriptures and manuscripts are safely kept in the almirah and only the monks and a few selective people have access to this place, the monastery houses around 90 monks.

The monastery also has a huge collection of masks that are used annually for dancing rituals. The monastery maintains a very consistent and peaceful environment with a good library. You will love the exterior of the monastery that is decorated with colorful flags. The monastery has a large number of devotees and it keeps growing with every passing day.

Earthquake Damages

Gangtok Enchey Monastery did go through some of the major damage due to natural calamity in the early years. Sikkim experienced a severe earthquake in the year 2006 and the magnitude damaged the Gangtok Enchey Monastery greatly. The monastery had some vertical cracks on the walls and some corners near the entrance.

Since the earthquake was severe, the monastery went through a lot of damage. The damages were closely seen on the walls and others a portion of the monastery and then the damage was restored after a great effort. Apart from this damage and repair their monastery consistently gained popularity and devotees. It is now known as one of the famous monasteries in Sikkim for all the right reasons.

If you are willing to experience the real joy and vibe of this spiritual place, then you must visit this monastery during the festival season.

Festival Celebrated

Gangtok Enchey Monastery celebrates some of the most happening and colorful festivals, it’s not just rejoiced by the devotees or the natives but also by the tourists who visit this location every year to enjoy and take part in these festivals.

The Cham Dance Festival

The Cham dance festival is celebrated during the 18th and 19th days of the Tibetan Calendar in the 12th Lunar month. The dance is performed with a mask and ornate robes that represents the Tibetan deity called the Mahakala. She is considered to be the goddess and protector, with a mythical snow lion which depicts the third eye which represents the need for an n inner reflection.

Other festivals

Some of the other festivals celebrated in the Enchey Monastery in Gangtok is the Singhe Chaam done once every three years, and the pang Lhabsol which represents the blood-brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias in Khangchendzonga’s presence as the witness.