Phodong Monastery

Phodong Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the North Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is one of the six major monasteries of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim and is considered to be one of the most important monasteries in the state.

The monastery was established in the 18th century by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, the third Chogyal of Sikkim. It was later rebuilt in the 19th century by Jigme Pawo, the fourth Chogyal of Sikkim. The monastery is known for its impressive architecture, which features intricate murals and frescoes that depict the life of the Buddha and other important figures in Buddhist history.

The monastery houses a number of important Buddhist artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, thangkas (traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings), and statues of various Buddhist deities. It also serves as a center for Buddhist learning and practice, with many monks studying and practicing there.

Phodong Monastery is open to visitors, and it is a popular destination for tourists who come to see its beautiful architecture and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is located in a scenic location, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains, which adds to its charm and appeal.