Monday, June 02, 2008

Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery or Ranka Monastery OR Lingdum Monastery











Lingdum Monastery, also known as Ranka Monastery, is located approximately 20 kilometres (about 12 miles) from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, India. 

The nearest railway station to Gangtok is in New Jalpaiguri (NJP), West Bengal, which is a major railhead connecting various parts of the country. From NJP, you can hire a taxi or use other local transport to reach Gangtok, and subsequently, the Lingdum Monastery.

The closest airport to Gangtok is the Bagdogra Airport, situated near Siliguri in West Bengal. It's about 125 kilometres (around 78 miles) from Gangtok. From Bagdogra Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to travel to Gangtok. There are also helicopter services available from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok for those who prefer a quicker mode of transportation.

Lingdum Monastery is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate murals, and ornate interiors adorned with colourful paintings, statues, and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings on silk). Visitors often come to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, witness the daily rituals and prayers conducted by the monks, and explore the monastery's teachings and cultural heritage.

The monastery also hosts various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, including the famous Cham Dance, a masked dance performed by monks that depicts religious tales and stories from Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery stands as a significant cultural and religious landmark in Sikkim, attracting both tourists and devout Buddhists seeking spiritual solace.

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