Tsuk La Khang Monastery

Location

Tsuk La Khang Monastery, located in the complex of Royal Palace, is the imperial gompa of the former Royal family of Sikkim. One of the major places for worship and assembly for the Buddhists, this monastery is a two storey edifice. The monastery also houses a wide collection of works of Buddhist scriptures.

Earlier, this monastery was also used as a venue for several occasions such as weddings and coronations of the Sikkim Royalty. At every corner of this monastery, there are wooden sculptures which are crafted in the figure of Snow Lion's Head. On entering the building, one can witness the walls adorned with murals and altars. The altars located inside the monastery encompass the images of Bodhisattva and Buddha along with other Buddhists deities.

The monastery is also a venue for several festivals that are held all throughout the year. Phang Lhabsol and Losoong are the two festivals that are celebrated in this monastery in full swing. During these festivals, mask dance also known as Chaam is performed by the monks of the monastery. In addition, during the New Year celebration, Black Hat Dance is also performed. This dance depicts the triumph of good forces over the evil forces.