Monday, July 27, 2009

Namgyal research institute of Tibetology - Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok has so much to see..this was my fourth visit there but the first with the kids...our sight seeing was arranged by keeping their comfort and meal times in mind.We skipped many important spots like Rumtek monastery,botanical garden,deer park etc..This institute is within the city and easily accessible so saves a lot of time.Namgyal research institute is a world renowned institute built in 1958 in a typical Tibetan style of architecture.Amongst thick dense oak and magnolia trees on a hill top this structure is placed....it is on walking distance from the STU PA.It promotes research on the largest collection of books and manuscripts on Mahayan Buddhism,there are about 30,000 volumes and translations of the original teaching of Buddha.The museum has an extraordinary collection of antiques,jewelleries and the most beautiful Tankhas(painted or embroidered scrolls).Sad part...PHOTOGRAPHY STRICTLY PROHIBITED.we saw some very beautiful things like old styled precious stones studded silver jewelleries,silver bullet case,cigar holders and many more.....hundreds of brass statues of Buddha and other deities.......one must not miss this spot.

Just wanted to share this picture of Bakery .....it falls between both the spots Stupa and research institute....a cup of coffee is highly recommended here.

16 comments:

  1. बहुत जानकारीपूर्ण। धन्यवाद।

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  2. I have seen some Tankha paintings and they are very beautiful.
    The Buddhist stupas have a very calming effect. The archtecture is so different from the hindu temple architecture. Marvelous photos.

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  3. intriguing history everywhere in your country. good you are introducing your young children to their cultural heritage.

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  4. Like the Roman Catholics and their magnificent cathedrals in Italy and France, the Buddhists built temples, statues, etc. of great beauty in Asia. Kavita, have you ever been to Thailand, where I lived in 1969? Bangkok architecture is also Buddhist.

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  5. Marvelous history and terrific photos! I agree with Lin that it's wonderful that you are introducing your children to their cultural heritage. Great post!

    Enjoy your day!
    Sylvia

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  6. you are making Gangtok a must-see destination for all the tourists in the world :)

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  7. gangtok is so awesome yaarr..kavita..wait wait.one day v ll all be der 4 sure...cheers..

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  8. Extremely interesting. Gangtok is enchanting and mystical.

    Its a must see place, and i have a special interest in Buddhism, esp Mahayana, and being close to Tibet, it has a similar charm. Thanks for sharing.:)

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  9. thanks for another wonderful post!! gangtok seems to be filled with rich history and visuals to go along with it.

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  10. All the places you have shown here, are beautiful, Kavita. Thank you.

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  11. I have seen tankha paintings and they are very beautiful..this post brought many memories..I had been to kalimpong darjeeling and gangtok many years ago..though the visit to gangtok was very short as we had to cut the trip short coz of a landslide..butit was here that I first saw a magnolia..and that flower has never left my imagination..so pure and so sweet..I fell in love with the tree and its flower. Your posts on Gangtok make me very happy

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  12. बहुत खूबसूरत लग रही है तस्वीरें
    पोस्ट का डिटेल्स वर्क हमेशा ही सुन्दर होता है

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  13. As I see your lovely post regularly I feel like visiting Gangtok again.

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  14. Thanx for taking us to the tour of eastern part of our country which is mostly neglected.wonderful snaps kavitha.

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