Museum

The Museum of Heritage is in the precincts of the Buddhist Lepcha Temple – Monastery. The Museum is located in sylvan surroundings of densely wooded forest in the heart of Kalimpong.

It is not well known that this monastery is the oldest in Kalimpong having its initial beginnings 330 years back in nearyby Durpin. This monastery was built by the original inhabitants of Kalimpong – the Lepchas. To the Lepchas the Gumpa or Temple is the second holiest place after the Kangchenjunga, the Holy Mountain. Exhibits in the Museum are from the Buddhist Lepcha Temple – Monastery.

One of foremost of Indian institutions in restoration and preservation of heritage the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have given us their expertise for the Museum. The museum was inaugurated on World Museum Day.

• Canvas painting depicting 3 out of 35 mudras of Buddha from 19th century CE
• A 19th century painting on canvas depicting 2 out of 35 mudras of Buddha.
• A Seto (Setho) canvas painting circa 19th century CE, it is the largest canvas painting in the museum covering 359 x 181 cm. it was previously in the prayer hall of the temple and removed after the 2011 earthquake.
• The painting depicts Guru Rimpoche as symbol of peace. The painting is known as seto or having 100 qualtities
• Central portion of the painting depicts the founder of the temple- Guru Hishye Rabge and his 2 disciples. This severely damaged painting was restored by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), New Delhi.
• Another 19th century CE canvas painting depicts 4 out of the 35 mudras of Buddha
• A prayer cymbal from 17th century CE made out of special metals
• Kapali or human skull covered by a metal sheet used to hold offerings in the temple. It is from the 17th century CE.
• Galing a musical instrument like a flute one can play 100 ragas on this instrument. It was used during prayers in the temple during 18th century.
• Rukdung-Dungchen a musical instrument used during 17th century during prayers.

• Wooden printing block from 18th century CE used in printing on flags, some blocks are rectangular and others are square shaped
• Lag-na, a musical instrument from 17th century CE used during rituals in the temple.
• Prayer mala from 18th century CE used in chanting mantas it has 108 beads depicting the 108 qualities in Vajrayana Buddhism
• Chi-belt from 19th century CE part of the costume worn during prayers
• Ringa or headgear from 18th century CE depicting different mudras of Buddha
• Decorative wooden tiles from 19th century with polychrome technique used as panels
• Thangka painting from 19th century CE depicts the deity Chenreji also known as Avlaokiteshwara.
• Ruba or object made from tortoise shell dating around 17th century CE
• Thangka painting from 19th century CE depicting Guru Rimpoche and deity Cherenji surrounded by their disciples
• Kangling or bone objects from the 17th century CE used as a musical instrument during prayers
• Old terracotta miniatures of various deities including Guru Rimpoche, deity Cherenji and others. Undated.
• Canvas painting from 18th century CE depicting Guru Cherenji