Monastery
About Lepcha
Gumpa Monastery
Since 1690
Lepcha Bong Gumpa is an ancient Lepcha Temple(Monastery) built in 1690 CE and situated in Kalimpong, District Kalimpong. The name 'Kalimpong' originated from the earlier name 'Kaalenpung' ('Kaa' – "we", 'Len' – "gather" and 'Pung' – "ridge"). This is the first Buddhist Monastery in Kalimpong. This monastery was originally on the top of a hillock of the present-day and Army Golf Course and was then relocated to Bong Basti during the British rule in 1889. Bong Basti locality was earlier known as 'Khasmal', During the British rule in 1800s, when the Lepchas were in majority in Kalimpong, the locals here were sent to 'Kaafir' (forest). Only some Lepcha families were left in Khasmal afterwards. These families were the ones who donated for the rebuilding of Lepcha Gumpa in Khasmal.
Most people are not aware of the multi-faceted heritage of the Lepchas, an ancient community whose cultural heritage has been woefully neglected. According to ancient oral history, the Lepchas were the original inhabitants thousands of years ago of Mayal Lyang, considered a land of purity and holiness. According to folklore, Mayal Lyang was said to have been originally located at the lap of Kanchenjunga, a Shangri-La that has been lost in time.
For the Lepchas this temple is second only to the Mother Goddess 'Kan-Chen-Chu', popularly known to the world as Kanchenjunga, who is believed to have the power to stop even the hailstorms. The Gumpa also has some local deities known as 'Lunjyee Lungnong' which makes it different from the other Buddhist Monasteries located in Kalimpong. The Lepcha holy book called 'Naamtho Naamthar', written in Lepcha Language, is recited along with the Tibetan Buddhist text called "Tshoyo" during the ritual prayer recitals. The Gumpa has rich collections of old Buddhist manuscripts, wooden printing blocks, musical instruments, prayer utensils, prayer wheels, Thangka paintings and canvas paintings of 1890s.
For the Lepchas this temple is second only to the Mother Goddess 'Kan-Chen-Chu', popularly known to the world as Kanchenjunga, who is believed to have the power to stop even the hailstorms. The Gumpa also has some local deities known as 'Lunjyee Lungnong' which makes it different from the other Buddhist Monasteries located in Kalimpong. The Lepcha holy book called 'Naamtho Naamthar', written in Lepcha Language, is recited along with the Tibetan Buddhist text called "Tshoyo" during the ritual prayer recitals. The Gumpa has rich collections of old Buddhist manuscripts, wooden printing blocks, musical instruments, prayer utensils, prayer wheels, Thangka paintings and canvas paintings of 1890s.
The Lepcha Gumpa suffered structural damages during the years 1934, 1968 and 2011 when earthquakes rocked the region, damaging the base and foundations of the monastery. The structure was declared unstable and unsafe by engineers and officials. Many walls containing canvas paintings developed deep cracks. There was staircase leading from the ground floor to the prayer hall. The staircase was later replaced. The partition wall in the prayer hall which contained "Seto Painting" fell down during the earthquake. The Gumpa was restored with cement plaster by the locals after the disaster.
The present day Gumpa has a prayer hall at the first floor and the Lepcha Museum on the ground floor. Many collections of the Lepha Gumpa has been conserved and restored by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) into a museum for displaying and storing these original collections of the Gumpa. The prayer hall has the idols and worshipping dieties sculptures which are stored inside cabinets of prayer shelf. These include Guru Padma Sambhava, Chenreji Buddha, Chuke Dorji the first Guru, Nagarjuna, Manjushri the founder of Buddhist Dharma, Chepabmi or Ayu Buddha, Dakini and Chhaya Lama.
The present day Gumpa has a prayer hall at the first floor and the Lepcha Museum on the ground floor. Many collections of the Lepha Gumpa has been conserved and restored by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) into a museum for displaying and storing these original collections of the Gumpa. The prayer hall has the idols and worshipping dieties sculptures which are stored inside cabinets of prayer shelf. These include Guru Padma Sambhava, Chenreji Buddha, Chuke Dorji the first Guru, Nagarjuna, Manjushri the founder of Buddhist Dharma, Chepabmi or Ayu Buddha, Dakini and Chhaya Lama.
Founder of Gumpa
Lama Lazin (1810-1905), the third lama of this monastery was popularly known as 'Pathi Lama' had several spiritual powers that he exhibited on numerous occasions. One such incident was in 1870's when there was a huge confiagration in Nozok Forest. The whole forest was ablaze for several weeks destroying life and property. The people of Nozok Forest in desperarion appealed the colonial British Government in Kalimpong. Administrative Head of the Forest Department tried several methods to douse the fire, unsuccessfully. Hearing about Lama Lazin's power over nature, the British Administration earnestly requested him to use his power to put out the spreading fire.
Lama Lazin then in Durpin used his powers over nature, clouds started forming in the South-East of the Nozok Forest, heavy rain came down together with hailstones. The fire was extinguished.
In lieu of Lama's services the then British Government gave him the right to collect taxes from the whole of Kalimpong District. Thus he came to be known as 'Pathi Lama'. 'Pathi' meaning taxes.
In lieu of Lama's services the then British Government gave him the right to collect taxes from the whole of Kalimpong District. Thus he came to be known as 'Pathi Lama'. 'Pathi' meaning taxes.
