Enchey Monastery is approximately 200 years old and is located 3 km northeast of Gangtok. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The location was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, a renowned exponent of tantric art adept in Buddhism with flying powers. It is believed that initially a small Gompa was established by him after which he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim to this site.

The literal meaning of ‘Enchey Monastery’ is ‘the solitary temple’. Its sacredness is attributed to the belief that Khangchendzonga and Yabdean – the protecting deities – reside in this monastery. According to a legend, Guru Padmasambhava had subdued the spirits of the Khangchendzonga, Yabdean and Mahākāla here. In view of this legend, the religious significance of Enchey Monastery is deeply ingrained in every household in Gangtok. It is also believed that these powerful deities always fulfil the wishes of the devotees It is also said that the Monk built a small hermitage at the site of the monastery, after he came here flying from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim.

The present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Sidkeong Tulku (1909 -1910) in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda.  Enchey Monastery today is a home to around 90 monks belonging to the Nyingma sect. It houses a number of images of Gods, Goddesses and religious objects.

The Buddha, Loketeswara and Guru Padmasambhava are the three important deities worshipped in the monastery. The highlights of the monastery are the murals depicting the protective deity and wheel of law on the porch. Also to be seen are the conch shells that are regarded propitious Buddhist symbols.

Every year special prayers are held at the monastery, on the18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to the dates during January, February each year. January is the time for the vibrant and colorful “Chaam” or religious masked dance held at the Monastery.  The monastery also celebrates the festival of Pang Lhabsol which marks the coming together of the Bhutias and the Lepchas.

Source:

http://www.buddhist-tourism.com/countries/india/monasteries/sikkim/enchey-monastery.html

http://www.north-east-india.com/sikkim/enchey-monastery.html

http://www.sikkimstdc.com/GeneralPages/Details/Enchey-Monastery/23/

http://www.mapsofindia.com/india-tour/sikkim/monasteries-in-gangtok/

http://kookstraveldiary.blogspot.in/2014/04/10032014-gangtok-city-tour.html

http://walkingthebeauty.blogspot.in/2014/08/

http://tourmet.com/enchey-monastery/

http://www.nobatours.com/photo-gallery.htm