Ghum Monastery: A Spiritual Haven in the Hills of Darjeeling
Ghum Monastery
History of Ghum Monastery
The Ghum Monastery was built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, a Mongolian monk, and it belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. The monastery houses a statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is about 15 feet tall, and it is said to be one of the largest statues of the Buddha in the region. The walls of the monastery are decorated with intricate murals and paintings that depict the life of the Buddha and other Buddhist deities.
Significance of Ghum Monastery
The Ghum Monastery is an important spiritual destination for Buddhists from all over the world. It is a place where people come to meditate and pray, and it is also a place where people come to learn about Buddhism. The monastery is home to a community of monks who follow a strict daily routine of meditation, prayer, and study. Visitors to the monastery can witness these practices and learn more about the Buddhist way of life.
How to reach Ghum Monastery
Ghum Monastery is located about 8 kilometers from Darjeeling town, and it can be reached by road or by the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The railway station at Ghum is the highest railway station in India and is one of the most scenic routes to reach the monastery. Visitors can also hire a taxi or take a shared jeep from Darjeeling to reach the monastery.
The Ghum Monastery is open to visitors from 5 am to 7 pm, and visitors are requested to remove their shoes before entering the temple. Photography is not allowed inside the temple, but visitors can take pictures of the exterior of the monastery. Visitors are also encouraged to donate to the monastery to support the monks and the upkeep of the temple.
If you are in Darjeeling, a visit to the Ghum Monastery is a must-see.