The Divine Altars Of Darjeeling

By Author: surendra rawat
Total Articles: 71
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With the magnificent Kanchendzonga painting the horizon and lush green hills arising from the fertile plain of West Bengal is the Queen of hills known as Darjeeling. It is a tourist haven and has been the attraction of many foreigners and Indian tourists since the advent of time. Known mostly for its scenic beauty and awesome weather conditions, it is flocked by scores of tourists every year. However it is not only the scenic beauty and cool weather that attracts tourists. The majestic and divine temples that stand here have an aura of their own that brings people to be in peace and tranquility at their shrines.

With the help of Darjeeling Travel Agent feel the welcoming nature of Darjeeling for people and cultures of all walks of life has made it home to different religious backgrounds. One can find monasteries, temples, churches, mosques and pagodas dotting the beautiful and God fearing hills.
North East Darjeeling presents a few among the most well known places of interest and worship here:-

Bhutia busty monastery- this ...
... Buddhist monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling. Destroyed by the earthquake of 1934, and later rebuilt by the king of Sikkim this is a landmark as old as Darjeeling herself. On visiting the monastery one can sense an aura of peace and tranquility that will leave him feeling blessed by the gods. Also to admire is the great architecture and the paintings on the walls of the monastery. The second floor also houses a library containing many old Buddhist books.

Ghoom monastery- on the highest elevation point of Darjeeling was built this age old monastery by Lama Sherab Gyatso in the year 1875. The monastery is from the Gelug school of Buddhism. Centuries old traditions are still instilled in the monks here.

Dali monastery- established during the 1900’s, this monastery was built by Kyabie Thuksey Rinpoche of the Kargyupa sect. Dali monastery’s main aim at the time was to preserve the ancient Buddhist teachings. The brightly painted walls in the monastery are a sight to be seen. “Chams” a religious dance is also performed here on auspicious days of the Buddhist calendar.

Japanese temple- the calm aura that this place resonates with is so peaceful and quiet that even footsteps seem too loud. Also known as the Nippozan Myohoji Buddhist temple was established by the Fuji Guru. The temple stands just near the Peace Pagoda and is built in pure Japanese architecture. The philosophy of the temple stands on peace and spirituality.

Darjeeling package tours also include the most holy shrines in town such as:-

The Mahakal temple- on the apex of the Darjeeling observatory hill is this holy sanctum both for the Hindus and Buddhists. The sound of the bells tolling and ringing combined with the chatter of monkeys altogether gives it its charm and sanctified atmosphere. A number of devotees flock this place to seek blessings and peace in their lives as is bestowed upon this place.

Senchal Dham- this temple is located at the highest place in town and is considered to one of the holiest places. The high elevation of this temple adds to the beauty and charm of the temple. The tiger hill observatory is also just a walk away from this temple.

Dhirdham Temple- located nearby the town’s railway station which is home to the toy train of Darjeeling, a heritage steam engine, lies this holy temple. To look at it resembles the Pashupati temple of Kathmandu and is a temple regularly visited by devotees for blessings and to pay homage.

St. Andrews Church- built during the 1800s this colossal church looking over Darjeeling town is a figure that must be seen. The church holds service every Sunday and one can attend it. The building is colossal and has seen centuries pass by bringing changes along with them.

Bishops house- this too built during the late 1800s is a wonderful church to see and worship in. Although it lies in the vicinity of town itself, it is remarkably clean and quiet. This particular church has a wonderful canopy of fir and other trees sheltering it. This church also served as a summer retreat for the Archbishop of Calcutta.

The sanctified aura with the acceptance of the hill towards all visiting or staying has given life to the many temples, monasteries, churches and mosques that have stood centuries along with her. Come feel the sanctity of beautiful Darjeeling as she shows you her religious side with Darjeeling tours.

Surendra Rawat is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for Darjeeling tour, North East Darjeeling and North East tours.