Sharchog Bey Phug
Overview and Spiritual Significance: Sharchog Bey Phug, meaning 'The Hidden Cave in the East', is one of the four cardinal sacred caves (Phug Chen Zhi) in Sikkim, all surrounding the spiritual hub of Tashiding. It is profoundly revered by the Buddhist community as a site blessed and meditated upon b y Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in the 8th century AD. According to the sacred text Denjong Nye-yig, a visit to this cave, traditionally the first in the clockwise pilgrimage of the four caves, is believed to fulfill one's wishes and cleanse one of sins. The cave is part of the larger network of natural, holy sanctuaries in the region, embodying the hidden and pristine nature of Sikkim's spiritual landscape. Its location near Rabongla in South Sikkim makes it a significant pilgrimage destination, often known locally as Sangmo Ney. The vast cavern is said to extend for a quarter of a mile, with legendary connections to Mt. Tendong and Maenam Hill. This cave marks the beginning of the spiritual journey, symbolizing the opening of the path to the sacred land of Bayul Demajong, and its importance is akin to the Char Dhams for Hindus.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 hours (Excluding travel time to Sangmo Village):Place Type:
Pilgrimage, Historic, Nature Cave:Entry Fees:
Cave Entry and General Access: There is generally No Entry Fee to enter the Sharchog Bey Phug cave itself, as it is a sacred pilgrimage site of immense religious significance, welcoming all devotees and visitors. The tradition is to keep such primary religious sites freely ...Cave Entry and General Access: There is generally No Entry Fee to enter the Sharchog Bey Phug cave itself, as it is a sacred pilgrimage site of immense religious significance, welcoming all devotees and visitors. The tradition is to keep such primary religious sites freely accessible.
Mandatory Offerings: While the entry is free, visitors are expected and encouraged to make voluntary cash donations (Dakshina) or ritual offerings such as incense sticks, butter lamps, and Khadas (traditional scarves) at the entrance and inside the prayer areas as a mark of respect. These donations support the upkeep of the cave and the nearby Dorje Jhangchub Sharchog Bey Phug Goenpa and its monks.
Photography Fees: There are typically no formal fees for personal photography outside the cave, but restrictions may apply to commercial or high-level professional photography. It is always wise to seek permission from the resident monks or local authorities for any specialized camera equipment to ensure respect for the sacred space.
Vehicle Parking: Since the cave is reached via a short trek from Sangmo Village (or the nearest road point), any vehicle parking charges would be for local community parking in the village, which are usually minimal or non-existent. :Timing:
Regular Timings: The cave is generally accessible from Sunrise (around 8:00 AM) to Sunset (around 5:00 PM), seven days a week. As it is a natural cave on a mountainside, a visit during daylight hours is mandatory for safety reasons, especially due to the uneven ground insid...Regular Timings: The cave is generally accessible from Sunrise (around 8:00 AM) to Sunset (around 5:00 PM), seven days a week. As it is a natural cave on a mountainside, a visit during daylight hours is mandatory for safety reasons, especially due to the uneven ground inside.
Ideal Visit Time (Best Light): The best time to visit for an optimal experience is during the early morning hours (e. g. , 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM). The crisp morning air enhances the scenic beauty of the trek, and the spiritual ambiance is highest when it is less crowded. The afternoon light can also be suitable, but one must ensure they start the trek back well before dusk.
Religious Observances: The timings may be subject to change during major Buddhist religious festivals or specific local prayer days, during which access might be restricted or extended for pilgrims. It is advisable to check with local guesthouses or the adjacent Goenpa if visiting during a major Buddhist holy month. :Special Events:
Lho Rum Faat Festival: While not held at the cave itself, the cave is a pilgrimage site for the Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival, celebrated by the Lepchas in August on Tendong Hill to commemorate salvation from the great flood. The journey to sacred sites like this cave is of...Lho Rum Faat Festival: While not held at the cave itself, the cave is a pilgrimage site for the Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival, celebrated by the Lepchas in August on Tendong Hill to commemorate salvation from the great flood. The journey to sacred sites like this cave is often undertaken in conjunction with major regional festivals.
Tashiding Bumchu Festival: The cave is part of the religious circuit linked to the famous Bumchu festival at Tashiding Monastery, held around February-March. Pilgrims often visit the four caves before or after attending this main event, making the festival season a peak time for religious journeys to the site.
Local Monastery Events: The adjacent Dorje Jhangchub Sharchog Bey Phug Goenpa observes its own annual calendar of Buddhist rituals and ceremonies. These local religious gatherings, often held in the Spring and Autumn, provide an authentic glimpse into the religious life of the region. :Best Photo Spots:
The Cave Entrance Frame: The unique shape of the cave entrance, framed by the lush greenery of the surrounding forest, makes for a captivating and dramatic photograph, often shot to capture the mysterious, 'hidden' nature of the site.
The Guru's...The Cave Entrance Frame: The unique shape of the cave entrance, framed by the lush greenery of the surrounding forest, makes for a captivating and dramatic photograph, often shot to capture the mysterious, 'hidden' nature of the site.
The Guru's Seat Viewpoint: A photograph of the naturally formed rock seat believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava sat for meditation provides a spiritually evocative picture. Capturing the prayer flags and offerings near this area adds cultural depth.
The Holy Spring's Glow: Photographing the Tuikang (Holy Spring) with careful lighting can capture the mystic atmosphere of the water source within the dark interior, symbolizing purity and healing in a hidden place.
The Forest Trek Trail: The paved pathway and the subsequent nature trail leading to the cave, winding through the dense forest, offer opportunities for scenic trekking and environmental photography, especially in the clear light of Spring or Autumn.
Views from Sangmo Village: The views of the valley and surrounding hills from the approach to the cave near Sangmo Village provide excellent panoramic shots of the tranquil South Sikkim landscape. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Undertake the Sacred Pilgrimage: Follow the traditional spiritual path by beginning the pilgrimage of the four sacred caves of Sikkim here. The clockwise journey around Tashiding starts at Sharchog Bey Phug, setting the spiritual tone for the entire trip.
Meditation and Prayer: Find a quiet spot within the vast cavern or at the Seat of Guru Rinpoche to meditate and offer prayers. The powerful, pristine energy of the site, having been blessed by the Guru, is believed to significantly enhance spiritual practice and devotion.
Collect Holy Water: Carry a small container to collect the sacred water from the Tuikang (Holy Spring) inside the cave. This water is believed to be a potent healer for various chronic diseases and is revered by the locals.
Observe the Mystic Fi...
Information
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Why Famous:
Guru Rinpoche's Meditation Site: This cave's fame rests primarily on its status as the first and holiest of the four sacred caves (Phug Chen Zhi) in Sikkim, where Guru Padmasambhava himself meditated in the 8th century AD. This sanctification makes it one of the most powerf...Guru Rinpoche's Meditation Site: This cave's fame rests primarily on its status as the first and holiest of the four sacred caves (Phug Chen Zhi) in Sikkim, where Guru Padmasambhava himself meditated in the 8th century AD. This sanctification makes it one of the most powerful places for Buddhist worship.
The Hidden Cave Legend: The name itself, 'Hidden Cave' (Bey Phug), refers to its role as a repository where the Guru allegedly concealed clues (Lamyig) and spiritual treasures for the prosperity and protection of Sikkim, the hidden land (Bayul Demajong). This legend drives its continuous stream of pilgrims.
Start of the Sacred Pilgrimage: For devout Buddhists in Sikkim, this cave serves as the mandatory starting point for the circumambulation pilgrimage of the four cardinal caves around Tashiding, symbolically 'opening the door' to the sacred land and ensuring the success of the spiritual journey. It's the Char Dham equivalent for Buddhists. : -
Architecture:
Natural Cavern Dimensions and Features: The architecture is entirely natural, a massive cavern within the mountain rock, thus having no man-made dimension in the traditional sense. The Denjong Nye-yig text describes its height as highly variable, ranging from about five fee...Natural Cavern Dimensions and Features: The architecture is entirely natural, a massive cavern within the mountain rock, thus having no man-made dimension in the traditional sense. The Denjong Nye-yig text describes its height as highly variable, ranging from about five feet in certain narrow sections to up to a hundred feet in the larger chambers, indicating a vast, uneven, and deep natural structure.
Spiritual and Mystic Formations: The interior is a natural rock-cut shrine. On the right side upon entering, the self-arisen figures are seen as the forty-two peaceful deities, while the figures on the left are interpreted as the sixty-nine wrathful deities, all mystically emanating from the rock formations. The architecture includes the naturally formed Seat of Guru Rinpoche near the entrance where he meditated.
Religious Objects and Shrines: Within the cavern, there is a Tuikang (Holy Spring), the water of which is believed to possess healing properties for chronic diseases. The cave walls and roof bear mystic patterns and semblances, which are considered religious significances ascribed to various deities. The nearby Dorje Jhangchub Sharchog Bey Phug Goenpa is a traditional Buddhist monastery that supports the spiritual activities of the cave. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal (approximately 130 KMS away). The nearest operational airport in Sikkim is Pakyong Airport (PYG), approximately 100 KMS away. From either airport, one must hire a pre-paid or private taxi to reach R... -
Near Tourist Places:
Ngadak Monastery (35 KMS), Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) (30 KMS), Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint (30 KMS), Temi Tea Garden (15 KMS), Tendong Hill Trek Start (Damthang) (13 KMS), Bon Monastery (Kewzing) (25 KMS), Doling Gompa (Ravangla) (30 KMS), Samdruptse Hill (45 KMS), Char Dham (Solophok) (50 KMS), Maniram (60 KMS):
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Carry a First-Aid Kit for small cuts or sprains from the trek. Wear sturdy, non-slip trekking shoes as the path to the cave is uneven and can be slippery, especially during early mornings or just after a shower. Carry a flashlight for the deeper sections o...
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