Sikkim Feature

Sikkim Places

India Tours

30 Days Gujarat

26 Days South

19 Days North India

18 Days Rajasthan

17 Days South

16 Days Shekhwati

14 Days North India

13 Days Sikkim

11 Days Nepal

9 Days Ladakh

8 Days Taj Triangle

4 Days Tibet

Travel Guide

Indian Architecture 

Indian Embassies

Flight Sickness

India Information

Nepal Information 

India Geography

Indian History

Media in India

 Modern History

Music in India

Dhubdi Monastery, occasionally called Yuksom Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism near Yuksom, in the Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district, in northeastern India.

Dhubdi Monastery was founded in 1701, it is perceived to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim and is situated on the top of a hill which is about an hour's walk (3 kilometres (1.9 mi)) from Yuksom. The literal meaning of 'Dubdi' in local language is "the retreat".It was also known as the Hermit's Cell after its ascetic founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, who along with two other lamas from Tibet met at Norbugang near Yuksom and crowned Phuntsog Namgyal as the first King or Chogyal of Sikkim at Norbugang Yuksom in 1642.

The Chogyar Namgyal established the first monastery known as the Dubdi Monastery in 1701, at Yuksom in Sikkim, which is part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit between the Khecheopalri Lake, the Rabdentse ruins, the Norbugang Chorten, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Tashiding Monastery and the Sanga Choeling Monastery.

The Monastery is located on a hilltop above Yuksom which is enclosed by grassy forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is a perfect place for lamas seeking meditation recthe surroundings of the sacred Mt. Khangchen Dzonga. The Monastery was founded in 18th Century A.D.

Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as “Thong-Wa-Rang-To” which exactly means “Saviours by mere sight”. Another important feature of Tashiding is the holy water festival usually known as “Bhumchu”. It is a religious custom distinctive to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water, The sacred holy water is officially sealed for safety by the Government and the lamas of the Monastery and it is taken out once a year on the auspicious occasion. The sacred water, which is taken out partly, is mixed with normal water to be distributed among thousands of devotees.

The word Dubdi means the retreat; and at present this monastery is home to many elaborate paintings of well-known saints. The painted area also portrays various sacred symbols and a collection of ancient manuscripts.

Dubdi Monastery stands at a height of 7000 ft on a spur. It was founded during the supremacy of Chogyar Namgyal, the Monastery has an elaborately painted interior area. Images of saints, divinities, other symbols and collection of manuscripts and texts are housed in the monastery. The statues of three lamas who were responsible for establishing Yuksom are also installed in the monastery. It is a two storied structure built in stone. It is square in plan and faces south. It has a tapering tower with a flat roof made of iron sheets with projecting roof space. The top of the roof has a bell shaped gilded dome known as “Gyaltshen”. The monastery has two side walkways where a rare collection of manuscripts and other ritual texts are preserved.

Dubdi Monastery is believed very pivotal to the history of Sikkim. Lhetsum Chenpo along with his two associate lamas is said to be the founder of the Sikkim state at Yuksum during the 17th century. Till today, Lhetsum Chenpo green statue is placed in this monastery. From Yuksum it takes about an hour's walk to reach the monastery, which lies on top of a hill.

Dubdi monastery is central to the history of Sikkim as it is closely connected to the founding of the State of Sikkim at Yuksom in the middle of the 17th century by Lhetsum Chenpo and his two associate lamas. Chenpo’s green image is protected in the Dhubdi monastery as it was founded by him to honor the founding of the Kingdom of Sikkim. It is the only monastery existing out of the four built at that time, the other three locations are now identified by: a cluster of four juniper trees was the location where a monastery of Khardokpa sect existed; another location of a monastery established by Lama of Nadakpa sect now seen in the form of a rocky mountain and two juniper trees, and the third site has now a chorten, which was initially the location of the residence of the King of Sikkim who was crowned at Yuksom by the three lamas. Monastery had thirty monks some time back. Now to gain access to the monastery, the only monk who stays in the monastery has to be informed in advance.