Do Drul Chorten Gangtok Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
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Do Drul Chorten Gangtok Address: M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim, 737102, India
Do Drul Chorten is one of the most famous and recognisable stupas in Gangtok. It serves as an important religious site for the local Sikkimese population, as well as for Buddhist pilgrims. This sacred place is also often used for meditation and prayer and spiritual enlightenment.
The stupa was built by Trulshik Rinpoche in 1945. Inside, a set of Dorjee Phurba, holy Buddhist texts and other religious paraphernalia have been kept. It’s said that the Rinpnche also kept his priceless Swiss watch gifted by the queen of Sikkim.
Do Drul Chorten Stupa Gangtok isn’t only a religious site but also a cultural attraction. It offers you a chance to connect with the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and Sikkim.
It’s a quaint little place for anyone seeking solace. Its location on a hill allows you to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of the region. A dharma preaching centre, established by Dodrupchen Rinpoche, is also on the premises of this stupa.
Where is Do Drul Chorten in Gangtok?
Do Drul Chorten is adjacent to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Being close to M. G. Market, the stupa is easily accessible from Gangtok city centre. And it’s a must-visit destination in Gangtok for tourists.
History of Do Drul Chorten Stupa
It’s said that the site of this stupa was haunted. Anyone who came here would end up being troubled in some way. It was in the 1940s. It was also the time of the Second World War when the Namgyals (the Royal Family of Sikkim) were going through a rough patch.
So, the queen of Sikkim invited Trulshik Rinpoche (the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism) for hermitage and guidance. He arrived from Tibet and built a shrine for the well-being of the royal family and the citizens.
The Rinpoche was loved and revered by everyone because of his charm and polite behaviour. This stupa was built so that the spirits could be kept away even after he left.
Architecture of Do Drul Chorten
Do Drul Chorten is built in traditional Tibetan-style architecture. It enshrines the Tibetan deity Dorjee Phurba (also known as Vajrakilaya). The golden dome crowning the stupa is one of its most prominent features. It can be seen from various parts of Gangtok.
The stupa is surrounded by 108 Mani Lhakor (prayer wheels), painted and inscribed with the “Om mani padme hum” mantra in Tibetan. Devotees and tourists often go around spinning these wheels.
If you, too, rotate the prayer wheels, make sure to do it in the clockwise direction. It’s believed that spinning them, while circumambulating the stupa, brings blessings.
Things to do at Gangtok Do Drul Chorten
1. Exploring the stupa complex – The golden-spired Do Drul Chorten Stupa is encircled by the shrines of Chorten Lhakhang and Guru Lhakhang and several smaller stupas. The shrine building boasts two colossal statues of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) and several hundred oil lamps burning together.
The place also has the dharma preaching centre where monks study and work. This Do Drul Chorten monastery can accommodate about 700 monks.
2. Taking blessings from Bodhisattva – Do Drul Chorten contains the entire Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Vajrakilaya), one set of Kangyur Tibetan holy text, a full zung roll of mantras and other religious items. Close to the stupa are 108 prayer wheels. Spin these wheels and chant the holy mantra to summon “Bodhisattva” and be blessed.
3. Enjoying panoramic views – Do Drul Chorten Gangtok is known for its tranquil and serene ambiance. The stupa is on a hill, and it offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the city. You can visit the place to meditate, find inner peace, or simply enjoy a quiet moment of reflection. The vibrant colours and breathtaking backdrop make Do Drul Chorten a photographer’s delight, too.
4. Connecting with the local culture – This stupa and monastery is close to the Institute of Tibetology. It’s a good place to understand the history and culture of Tibet (and Buddhism) as a whole. Local vendors nearby also sell religious artifacts, traditional handicrafts and souvenirs belonging to Sikkimese culture. It offers you a chance to connect with the culture.
Do Drul Chorten Entry Fee and Timings
You don’t have to pay any entry fee to visit Do Drul Chorten Sikkim. However, donations are accepted. It’s open every day throughout the year. Do Drul Chorten opening hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Best time to visit Do Drul Chorten Stupa
The best time to visit Do Drul Chorten Stupa in Gangtok is in the early winter months (around October/November) or late winter (around February/March). You can visit the place also in summer (from March to June). The atmosphere is comfortable around the year, with a pleasant climate most of the time.
Visit the place in the evening for the best experience. Light breeze, serene surroundings and magical views bring peace to the soul.
Time to explore Do Drul Chorten
You can check out the complex within an hour. It takes a bit of an uphill walk, so it’s best to take it slow, enjoying the fresh air and spiritual vibes. Click photographs, experience the local culture and buy some traditional handicraft items to take back home.
How to reach Do Drul Chorten Gangtok?
Do Drul Chorten Gangtok is close to the city centre, only about 2 km away. It’s 2 km away from Deorali bus stand, 116 km from New Jalpaiguri railway station and 122 km from the nearest Bagdogra airport.
Now, the following are the ways to visit the stupa from Gangtok –
By bike – Rental bikes are easily available in the city. You can take one to explore Do Drul Chorten and other tourist places in Gangtok.
By cab/taxi – Getting a shared taxi or private cab is the best way to see Do Drul Chorten Stupa. SUVs are available for hire from the top car rental companies in Gangtok easily. So, you can hire one for the day or your entire vacation and visit the stupa at your convenience.
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