Bhutia Busti which means the colony of
the Bhutia, is located at a distance of about 1.5 km downhill from the
Chowrasta Mall and about 2 km from the Railway Station of Darjeeling, in West
Bengal. The main highlight of this place is the Bhutia Busti monastery, also
known as Karma Dorje Choling monastery.
The monastery is a branch of the
Nyingmapa sect Phontag Monastery in Sikkim, which was transferred to
Darjeeling. At first, the monastery was situated in Observatory Hill where you
will find the Mahakal Temple at present. The original monastery was built by
Lama Dorje Rinzing in the year 1761.
It
is believed that the Gorkha invasion during the 19th century
destroyed the original monastery, which was again rebuilt in the year 1861. Due
to some unknown disturbances, the monastery had to be shifted to the present
location in Bhutia Busti, after the construction of a monastery at the place in
1879.
But due to bad fate it was again destroyed by a devastating earthquake in
the year 1934. The monastery that you see today was rebuilt by the support of
the Late Chogyal (Dharmaraja) of Sikkim.
The Bhutia Busti monastery is one of
the most prominent religious sites among the Buddhists living in the region of
Darjeeling. Like most of the monasteries found all over the world, this one is
also houses several Buddhist monks and religious scriptures.
The present structure of this
religious building is a magnificent one, constructed in a traditional Tibetan
style with a hint of Sikkimese influence. The structure is a perfect example of
the lively Buddhist culture of Darjeeling.
It originally belongs to the Red
Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which follows the Nyingma Tradition, the oldest
school of Buddhism among the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The
Nyingma school of Buddhism is based on the translation of Buddhist Scriptures
from Sanskrit and then to Tibetan language during the 8th century
AD, founded by the Indian Master Padmasambhava.
One of the most important attractions
of this monastery is its huge library, involving an interesting collection of
several Tibetan and Buddhist books. The architectural style of the library
reflects the unusual blend of Tibetan and Nepalese architecture.
The library
also holds some primitive Buddhist texts that tell you the story of the rich
cultural heritage of the Tibetan lifestyle. The most important feature about
this place is the original copy of Tibetan Book of the Dead. However, you
require a permission to see this book. Another fascinating aspect about the monastery
is a striking mural painted with golden color.
Apart from the rich heritage of this
place and the religious aspect linked with it, the captivating part for the
tourists visiting this monastery is the location of it on top of a small hill
that overlooks the valley of Darjeeling. If you look at the structure from a
distance, it will remind you of some kung fu Chinese films.
Due to the
positioning of the monastery at the edge of a cliff, one can get a
breath-taking view of the mountains and the valleys along with the white
cluster of clouds, floating down below. With all of these interesting things
associated with this place, it is certainly a must visit site in
Darjeeling.
The Monastery, the positioning on the edge
of a cliff, the fabulous view of the mountains and valleys and the clouds that
keep floating by it....is one of the major tourist magnets of the Hills. This
whole site is simply beautiful and a Must-Visit when in Darjeeling.
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