Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Historical Namgyal Institute of Tibetology of Sikkim

An inspiring Tibetan style mansion of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an exclusive Tibetan museum where you will witness the sponsorship and promotion of Tibetan art, culture, religion language, history of the Tibetan people.

History
While understanding the significance of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology they must know the fact the land where it stands was donated by the then king of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal to pay homage to his departed son Paljor Namgyal.

It was 14th Dalai Lama who inducted the foundation stone of the institute during 1957 and after the completion of the institute an erstwhile Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru opened it officially in 1958.

Religious Importance
Since we understand that the museum has huge compilation of historic manuscript in different language and the artefacts here relates the religious importance and rituals of the people. Beside that in terms of evaluating its religious protocol the land is considered to be divine because it was initiated by the religious head of Buddhism his holiness 14th Dalai Lama.

Collection of rare Thankas and number of figurines of Lord Buddha depicts the glory and commands the religious drift of the local people and their ancestor.

Things to Note
Library of Institute is holds the significance of compiling largest collection of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet. Numerous works and titles translated in canonical and non-canonical works from its original works of Sanskrit and Pali.

Beside that it contains the historical work of 5th Dalai Lama and hagiography of guru Padmasambhava which makes it affluent and clinical.

Cultural Importance
From cultural point of view an existence of institute gives a support and sustains the cultural hegemony of Tibetan people. Every compilation here depicts the glory of their era and gives us idea regarding their adaptation and process of evolution.

Diversity within manuscripts and compilation speaks the volume and within the walls you will witness extensive research work. Walking here would give its traveller a productive time because they would be dealing with ones history and its narration.

Architecture Importance
Majestic institute is carved in splendid Tibetan Buddhist style depicting the glory of typical Sikkim architecture. Imposing monument and its extensive wall paintings within Verandah portrays the crown of heavenly guardian’s kings. Surrounding the four side of Mount Meru an institute is more than just an institute.

Recent Programme
It was in 2002 when new director of institute took an initiative to expand an area of it. With that approach now institute has its conference hall, library, study room, studio, administrative wing and research wing. While prospecting the plan Mr Tashi Densapa took a considerable amount of help from foreign associates.

As a research centre the institute has become dynamic place within Eastern Himalaya where they promote Buddhist and Tibetan Studies. Beside that they also support Sikkim studies to expand an area of vitality.
Best Time to Visit
To pay visits here make sure to come here during the month between October and Mid December or else plan your holiday during the time March and May to witness the splendour of the state.
Timings
The working hour of institute starts from 10 Am till 4 Pm during Monday till Saturday and in Sunday along with second Saturday the gate of Institute will remain closed. Beside that it will remain closed during all government holidays.
How to Reach
By train-the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and it is located at a distance of around 148 km from Gangtok.

By air-the nearest airport is Bagdogra and it is located at a distance of around 124 km.
By road-the nearest nodal point to both NJP and Bagdogra is Siliguri and from here you will get ample of local services like Bus and local cabs.




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