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Rumtek Monastery : Rumtek, also called the Dharmachakra Centre, is a
Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Indian state of Sikkim near the capital
Gangtok. Originally built by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 16th century, Rumtek
served as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time. But
when the 16th Karmapa arrived in Sikkim in 1959, after fleeing Tibet, the monastery
was in ruins. Despite being offered other sites, the Karmapa decided to rebuild
Rumtek. To him, the site possessed many auspicious qualities and was surrounded
by the most favorable attributes. For example, flowing streams, mountains behind,
a snow range in front, and a river below. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim
royal family and the Indian government, it has been built by the 16th Karmapa as
his main seat in exile.
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After four years, construction of the monastery was completed. The sacred
items and relics brought out from Tsurphu Monastery, the Karmapa's seat in Tibet,
were installed. On Tibetan New Year's day (Losar), in 1966, the 16th Karmapa officially
inaugurated the new seat called, "The Dharmachakra Centre, a place of erudition
and spiritual accomplishment, the seat of the glorious Karmapa." |
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The monastery is currently the largest in Sikkim. It is home to the community of
monks and where they perform the rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
A Golden Stupa contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Opposite that building is
a college, Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies. |
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Rumtek is located 24 km from Gangtok, the capital of the Sikkim, at an altitude
of about 1500 m. |
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Rumtek was at the centre of the Karmapa controversy with a lengthy battle being
played out in the Indian courts. Two rival organisations, both supporting different
candidates for the 17th Karmapa claimed stewardship of the monastery and its contents.
The two organisations are the Karmapa Charitable Trust (supporting Thaye Dorje)
and the Tsurphu Labrang (supporting Ogyen Trinley Dorje). Currently neither candidate
resides at Rumtek. |
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The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the 12th successive incarnation of Zurmang Gharwang.
Also known as Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery/ Lingdum Monastery and is been established
in 2000. |
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Rumtek Monastery
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