In honour of "The Lotus Born"

Amidst Pelling's beautiful landscape lies a venerable monastery that stands as a beacon of the lineage of the Ta Tshang (pure Tibetian monks). Welcome to the Pemayangtse Monastery, where a rich tapestry of Sikkimese history and spirituality unfolds against majestic snow-capped mountains.

Pemayangtse translates to "Perfect Sublime Lotus" and is said to represent one of the four plexuses of the human body.

It began as a small shrine called 'Tsangkhang', founded by Lhatsun Chhenpo between 1650 and 1651 AD. In 1705, this shrine was later shifted to the present site and established as a monastery by Chhogyal Chhagdor Namgyal and Lama Khanchhen Rolpai Dorje (first head lama of Pemayangtse Gompa) in honour of Guru Padmasambhava - the Lotus Born. Today, it is considered the second-oldest monastery in Sikkim, after Dubdi Monastery.

Within this three-story sanctuary, you will discover a captivating world of Buddhist artistry and contemplation, where each level unfolds new wonders.

At its entrance, you will find a small religious structure housing the sacred statue of Dorje Phagmo (Vajra Varahi), which was given to Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal by Terton Terdag Lingpa of Tibet as a gift upon marrying his daughter.

When you enter the main prayer hall, walls adorned with beautiful paintings, doors, and windows decorated with traditional Tibetan designs will take your breath away. The monastery also houses several antique idols and ancient scriptures. Exquisite sculptures of saints and Rinpoches (an honorific given to reincarnations of great teachers), including Padmasambhava, will also astound you with their magnificence.

But Pemayangtse is more than just a monument to bygone eras – it is the parent of all the monasteries following the Mindroling lineage in Sikkim. With over one hundred monks diligently upholding its sacred practices, this monastery is a steadfast guardian of ancient wisdom, ensuring its preservation for future generations.