Famous Monasteries And Temples To Visit In Northeast India

There is end to a spiritual journey in Northeast India and there are limitless corners where you are bound to find beautiful shrines of different religion and faith. And if you are looking for a holistic journey then there should be no time to waste to meet the destination that has been your dream for a spiritual soujourn. Take a detour from the regular journey purpose and consider a devout journey to some holy grounds of Northeast. Here, let us help you on a Northeastern map to find some of the most holy places in Northeast Indian states.

# Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery is the largest and the most visited monastery in eastern Sikkim. It is marked as an important education and spiritual centre for learners. The design and the architecture of Rumtek Monastery follow a traditional Buddhist impression and ever since inception many other Indian Buddhist monasteries follow the same template. Rumtek Monastery contains a shrine-temple, retreat centre, monastic college, nun’s hostel, monastery, stupas and many other community administration centres. The Monastery also has other religious institutions and it also contains a Golden Stupa which carries the relics of the 16th Karmapa. In addition, Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important centres of Kagyu lineage of Buddhism, after Tibet. Gangtok has many other monasteries to visit like Enchey Monastery, Tsuglakhang Monastery & Temple to name a few.

# Gorkha Singha Devi

Serving as a central place for worship in Kohima, Gorkha Singha Devi has been catching the attention of believers for centuries. Dating back to 1800’s the Gorkha Singha Devi Mandir at Chandmari, Kohima is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nagaland. It so happens that, after the death of Maa Sati, it is believed that her dorsalpart of her body fell on the spot where now a temple is erected named as Singha Devi. Built by the Gorkha’s of Northeast, this beautiful structure sits amidst the mega-mountains and slopes of the capital city of Kohima. This temple also outlines the history of early Gorkha settlement. In addition, it is considered that whosoever bows their head before the temple with belief, loyalty, and modesty they will be blessed.

# Phodong Monastery

An important Kagyupa Sect Monastery in Phodong district, Phodang Monastery was founded by the fourth King Gyurmed Namgyal. However, after his death, the Monastery was completed in 1740 A.D. Due to an earthquake, the original Monastery was damaged but was soon rebuilt by the Lamas in 1977.

The Phodang Monastery now is bigger than the older Monastery. This colourful Monastery is located about 38 kilometres from the capital Gangtok and nearby attractions around it are Labrang Monastery, which is unique in its architectural style; and Phensang Monastery that sits gently with a breathtaking view of the region.

# Bhuvaneswari Temple

Bhuvaneswari Temple is one of the most famous travel attractions in the Northeastern state of Tripura. This temple has a unique architecture and it is constructed on a 3 feet high paved terrace with roof styled as a typical four-chaala with stupas. Bhuvaneswari Temple is a famous Hindu temple that has been immortalised in two of Rabindranath Tagore’s plays, namely Rajarshi and Bisharjan. This temple is also located near the Royal palace . Other landmarks to visit near Bhuvaneswari Temple in Udaipurare Tripura Sundari Temple, Jagannath Dighi, Sagar, Amar Sagar, Mahadev Dighi and Kalyan Sagar.

# Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery is noted to be one of the oldest monasteries in Pelling, Sikkim. The Monastery was founded in the 17th century by Lhatsun Chempo who was one of the three lamas in Yuksom. This ancient and traditional monastery is 300 years old where monks belonging to Bhutia family still live .

Pemayangtse Monastery is further divided into three parts; the interiors are beautifully placed with sculptures and ancient scroll paintings of Padmasambhava’s eight incarnations. It is a perfect soul seeking destination in Pelling where you can see the traces of Rabdentse from the monastery which is the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim. Some other significant monasteries in Pelling to visit are Sanga Choeling Monastery and Dubdi Monastery.

# Laxminarayan Bari Mandir

Dedicated to the Hindu God Lakshminarayan, this temple is located in the capital of Tripura, Agartala. This famous temple is located within the Ujjayanta Palace ground. This white colour temple is an important pilgrimage site and is a must visit not only for its significance but for its grand architecture. Agartala Laxminarayan Bari Mandir has rituals to look out for; you can certainly be a part of it in the month of September for grand celebration in Janmashtami, including other rituals like Nitya Puja. Agartala also has many other temples to visit like ISKCON Temple, Jagannath Bari, Ummaneshwar Temple, Durga Bari to name a few.