The largest
monastery in Sikkim sprawling over a huge area. It was
originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was
destroyed by fire and was reconstructed to the present state
by the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It includes a school
built on modern lines to impart teachings in Tibetan and
various aspects of Buddhism. An aviary containing the most
exotic birds also exists in the monastery complex. Some
distance above the monastery is a hermitage in which monks go
into complete seclusion for meditation for period's up to 3
years.
It is believed that the monastery is an absolute replica of
the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. The center
houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures,
manuscripts and religious art objects.
The Events in the Rumtek Monastery
»
The main offerings / dances of Rumtek also called the "Tse-Chu
Chaams" are held on the 10th day of the 5th month of the
Tibetan calendar around June. The 'Kagyat' dances are held
on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan
calendar.
