Bon Monastery
The Bon Monastery, also known as Kagyu Thekchen Ling or Yungdrung Bon Monastic Center, is a significant religious landmark situated in the serene village of Kewzing. This monastery is uniquely prominent because it belongs to the Bon faith, a spiritual tradition that flourished in Tibet long before t he advent of Buddhism in the 7th century. Unlike many other religious sites in the region, this is one of only two Bon monasteries in India, with the other being in Himachal Pradesh. Established in the late 1980s by the late Yungdrung Tsultrim, the monastery serves as a vital center for preserving the ancient Bonpo culture and teachings. The environment surrounding the monastery is incredibly tranquil, characterized by lush green forests and a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. Inside, the atmosphere is heavy with the scent of incense and the rhythmic sound of chanting, providing a deep sense of spiritual rejuvenation. The monastery is home to several young monks who study the ancient scriptures and maintain the daily rituals of the Bon tradition. Visitors often find the experience here to be more intimate and less commercialized compared to larger tourist hubs. The path leading to the monastery is dotted with colorful prayer flags that flutter in the mountain breeze, symbolizing the spread of peace and compassion. The spiritual energy of the site is palpable, especially during the morning and evening prayer sessions when the monks gather in the main hall. Exploring this site offers a rare glimpse into a lineage that has influenced many aspects of modern Tibetan Buddhism, including the use of prayer flags and incense. For those seeking a quiet retreat away from the crowds of Namchi, this monastery provides the perfect sanctuary for meditation and reflection. The surrounding hills of Kewzing add to the charm, making it a must-visit for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 Hours.Place Type:
Sub Place Category : Religious, Cultural, HistoEntry Fees:
Free Entry : There is no official ticket or entry fee required to visit the Bon Monastery; however, donations are highly encouraged.
Voluntary Contributions : Visitors typically leave a small donation in the offering boxes inside the pray...Free Entry : There is no official ticket or entry fee required to visit the Bon Monastery; however, donations are highly encouraged.
Voluntary Contributions : Visitors typically leave a small donation in the offering boxes inside the prayer hall to support the education and living expenses of the resident monks.Timing:
Regular Timings : The monastery is generally open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily throughout the week.
Ideal Visit Time : The best time to visit is during the morning prayers between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM when the atmosphere is mo...Regular Timings : The monastery is generally open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily throughout the week.
Ideal Visit Time : The best time to visit is during the morning prayers between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM when the atmosphere is most spiritual.Special Events:
Tonpa Shenrab Celebration : The birth anniversary of the founder, Lord Tonpa Shenrab, is celebrated with great fervor in the month of January or February. During this time, special mask dances (Cham) are performed by the monks, depicting the victory of good over evil.
...Tonpa Shenrab Celebration : The birth anniversary of the founder, Lord Tonpa Shenrab, is celebrated with great fervor in the month of January or February. During this time, special mask dances (Cham) are performed by the monks, depicting the victory of good over evil.
Losar (Tibetan New Year) : The monastery holds extensive prayer ceremonies during Losar, where the entire community gathers to offer butter lamps and seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.Best Photo Spots:
The Traditional Entrance Gate : The main gateway is decorated with traditional Bon symbols and offers a grand entrance frame with the monastery building in the background.
The Inner Courtyard : Capturing the monks in their traditional robe...The Traditional Entrance Gate : The main gateway is decorated with traditional Bon symbols and offers a grand entrance frame with the monastery building in the background.
The Inner Courtyard : Capturing the monks in their traditional robes against the brightly painted walls provides a striking contrast and an authentic cultural shot.
The Valley Viewpoint : The view from the monastery perimeter looking towards the Himalayas is perfect for wide-angle landscape photography, especially during the golden hour.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Participate in Morning Prayers : Visitors can sit quietly at the back of the prayer hall during the morning sessions to experience the unique chanting styles of the Bon monks. The resonance of the drums and long horns creates a powerful meditative atmosphere that is deeply moving.
Explore the Iconography : Spend time studying the unique murals on the walls; unlike Buddhist temples, you will find specific Bon deities like Sipe Gyalmo. These paintings are rich in symbolism and use vivid vegetable dyes that have remained bright for decades.
Circumambulate the Shrine : Follow the local custom of walking around the monastery; however, remember that in the Bon tradition, circumambulation is performed in a counter-clockwise direction, unlike the clockwise movement in Buddhism.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Rare Religious Heritage : The Bon Monastery is world-famous for being the only Bon religious center in Sikkim, offering a unique perspective on pre-Buddhist Tibetan history. It is a vital repository for the Yungdrung Bon tradition, which is often called the "fifth school" ...Rare Religious Heritage : The Bon Monastery is world-famous for being the only Bon religious center in Sikkim, offering a unique perspective on pre-Buddhist Tibetan history. It is a vital repository for the Yungdrung Bon tradition, which is often called the "fifth school" of Tibetan spiritualism.
Spiritual Significance : It is renowned for its preservation of ancient rituals that were later integrated into Buddhism, such as the burning of juniper incense and the raising of prayer flags. Scholars and researchers from around the globe visit this site to study the surviving Bonpo scriptures and the specific iconography that distinguishes it from other sects. -
Architecture:
Indo-Tibetan Design Elements : The architecture of the Bon Monastery is a masterful blend of traditional Indo-Tibetan styles, featuring vibrant colors and intricate woodwork. The main prayer hall is a rectangular structure with a dimension of approximately 60 feet by 40 fe...Indo-Tibetan Design Elements : The architecture of the Bon Monastery is a masterful blend of traditional Indo-Tibetan styles, featuring vibrant colors and intricate woodwork. The main prayer hall is a rectangular structure with a dimension of approximately 60 feet by 40 feet, built with reinforced concrete and traditional stone.
Decorative Motifs and Paintings : The interior walls are adorned with fascinating frescoes and murals depicting Bon deities and the Bon Demonical Buddha. Unlike typical Buddhist monasteries, the symbols here often include the Yungdrung (swastika) pointing in a counter-clockwise direction, which is a hallmark of the Bon faith.
Structural Layout : The complex includes a multi-storied central building with a golden-roofed pagoda style, housing the main altar and the statues of Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, the founder of Bon. The exterior is painted in bright white and red, accented by golden motifs that glisten under the mountain sun. -
How To Reach:
By Air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, located about 115 KMS away from the monastery. From the airport, one can hire a private taxi to Namchi and then proceed to Kewzing.
By Train : The neares... -
Near Tourist Places:
Ravangla Buddha Park (8 KMS), Temi Tea Garden (18 KMS), Samdruptse Hill (22 KMS), Char Dham (26 KMS), Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary (10 KMS), Ralang Monastery (15 KMS), Namchi Rock Garden (23 KMS), Tendong Hill (15 KMS), Tarey Bhir (35 KMS), Doling Gompa (12 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety : The altitude is moderate, but the winding roads can cause motion sickness; it is advisable to carry basic medication.
Packing : Always carry a light jacket even in summer as the weather in Kewzing can turn chilly unexpec...
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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
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