The Holy Caves of Sikkim
Sikkim is the former buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas- it shows us the secrets of the Buddhist culture, opens our hearts and gives us a new perspective & inspiration. We believe that a visit to Sikkim’s mystical places of power can help us reconnect with our heart.
INTRODUCTION
Sikkim has Four Great Holy Caves – ‘Phug Chen Zhi’, which are included in ‘gNas-chen-InGa’ (Paanch Dhaam) of Sikkim. These Caves are located at four cardinal directions of Tashiding (West Sikkim), namely –Sharchog Beyphug in the East, Lho Kando Sangphug in the South, Nub Dechenphug in the West and Jhang Lhari Nyingphug in the North. Tashiding, according to Holy text, is the Navel point of “Bayul Demajong”, and is considered as the 5th Dhaam of this Holy Land.
SIKKIM IS A PARADISE
Sikkim is a paradise for people who are attracted to magnificent mountain ranges, different cultures and natural ways of living.
Here people searching for spiritual guidance can obtain inspiration – there are not many places where one can find so many holy mountains, lakes, rivers, caves, temples & monasteries – along with the magnificent landscapes.
On our journey to the Sikkim’s holy caves, we will enjoy the breathtaking views looking up to Sikkim’s diety of protection, the third hightst mountain on earth which stands: Mount Khangchendzonga.
To understand the value of these holy natural places, we will introduce you to the man who blessed this location with his presence.
The true look of Buddha looks far beyond the holy land.
GURU PADMASAMBHAVA
Guru Padmasambhava (in English: born to the sacred lotus), also called Guru Rinpoche, is remembered as being the founder of Buddhism in Tibet. In Sikkim and Tibet, Guru Padmasambhava is honored with the title “second Buddha” an incarnation to the historical Buddha Shakyamuni.
During the 8. century Guru Padmasambhava at the request of the tibetan king Thrisong Detsen (756-796) spread Buddhism in Tibet. During his journeys to and from Tibet, he visited Sikkim several times where he meditated in many places and also predicted that in a few centuries, Buddhism would establish itself in this area. On his journey, he hid many of his spiritual treasures encoded in secret places, such as the caves of Sikkim, which have ever since been considered holy. In the early period, Chenreyzig, Dolma Tronyerchen and Guru Rinpoche, accompanied by 25 of his foremost disciples, blessed this land and marked Tashiding as the epicentre of the Holy Land. Four holy caves blessed by Guru Rinpoche are located in the four directions of Tashiding. In the middle period, Terton Rigzing Goedemchen (1337- 1408) located and blessed this hidden land. The later period commenced as prophesised by Guru Rinpoche, in the middle of the 17th century AD with the advent of the Naljor Chedshi - the meeting of 4 yogic brothers.
Buddhist holy sites are usually special because of the people who mediated in these places. They believe that holy people’s presence and meditation have left these places blessed and with healing powers.
CAVES AND DETAILS
1. Khando- sangphu( Secret cave of the Dakinis)
Khando-sangpuHistory: Khando-sangphu literally means the “Secret Cave of the Dakinis’’. This cave is located to the south of Tashiding and isone of the four holiest cave of Sikkim. Its height varies from 2 to 20 feet extended inwards almost 12 yards. In the remote corner,one can find a space of the size of a normal person to sit in meditational posture. A deep imprint seen on the roof above is believed to be an impression of Gurus crown when he had meditated in the cave. The Great Guru , during his stay in the cave exorcised a demoness who had been an obstruction in the way of his spiritual path. There are many spots lying in the vicinity of the cave such as a. tshi-bum(longevity vase) b. Simo-tuldo (Witch stone) c. Phur-tsha-chu(hot spring) d. Simo-sampo (Witches bridge) and e. Lhakhang (temple).
Located 7kms away from Legship bazaarEasily accessible and takes about 20 minutes walk to the cave from the road.
2.Lha-ri-nying-phuu cave(Heart Of the Gods Cave)
History: It literally means “Heart of the Gods Cave”. There are seven caves and each cave signifies an abode of different gods and goddess. Guru Padmasambhava had concealed a great deal of precious relics and article in this cave for the prosperity of this hidden land. The northern cave is believed to be the holiest of the caves.
Located above TashidingTrek route starts from Labdang village and takes 3 days to and fro.
Uphill terrain trek and is medium to hard trek.
3. Shar-cho-bey-phuh cave(Secret cave of the east)
History: Literally meaning the cave of the Eastern direction. It is located in the east of Tashiding, the heart of the holy places. It is a vast cave reputed to extend by bifurcation to both Mt. Tendong and Mt. Maenam. Its height varies from 5ft. to 100ft. as described in the Denjong Neyig text. The clues of the secret treasures of this holy land were hidden in this cave. The mystic pattern seen on the sides and roof of the cave bear religious significances ascribed to the various deities and ritual objects blessed by Guru Padmasambhava during his sojourn in this cave.
Located about 6 kms from Rabangla Easily accessible by road and takes 20 minutes of walk.Sangmo Monastary is within the vicinity.
4.Dechen-phu cave(The cave of great happiness)
History: It literally means “The Cave of Great Happiness”. As per Denjong Neyig, it is said thus Chimme tshetar drubpa nup dechen phuu” meaning western cave of great happiness showers a blessing of longevity. It means one can prolong one’s life span longer by visiting this cave. It is blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.
Located above Darap village near Pelling, west Sikkim.
Trek route starts from Nambu village and takes about 3 days with overnight halt.
Hard to medium trek uphill.
Enroute West Tours Travels and Treks lead you to unforgettable places and let you experience the deep rooted cultures and stories right there. We always keeping in mind our goals as Locals and sons of the soil to offer the most unique experiences that'll forever be etched into your hearts
