Sacred Groves in Sikkim
Gompa-khecheopalri-village, Sikkim
Sacred Groves in Sikkim are attached to Buddhist monasteries. They are called Gumpa Forest Areas and are managed by Lamas.
56 sacred groves spread over four districts have been documented in the state. Cho Chuba, Loki Sharia, Guru Padmasambhava and Rolu Devi Than are the deities to whom these groves are dedicated.
Cupressus, Silver Oak, Tooni, Thotnay, Aiselu, Tusare and Ruk Saro are among the most commonly found plant species in the sacred groves.
The highlands of Demojong below the Khangchendzonga peak are the most sacred site.
List of Sacred Groves in Sikkim
Si.No | Name of the Sacred grove | Dedicated To | Location | Area (acres) |
1 | Chuba | Cho Chuba | North Sikkim | Not Known |
2 | Dubdi Maonastry | Chenpo’s green image, Nadakpa sect | Sikkim | 1.73 |
3 | Enchery Monastry | Lama Druptub Karbo (Buddha, Loki sharia & Guru Padmasambhava) | Gangtok | 4 |
4 | Gadi Central Pandam | Pandam | Khasmal area of the grove | 5 |
5 | Kabi Longchuk | Mountain peak | Gangtok | Not Known |
6 | Labrang Monastery | Buddhism & Sikkim | North Sikkim | Not Known |
7 | Lhari –Rinchen Nying Phug | Goddess of wealth along with 3 goddess of bountiful harvests | Kanchenjunga | Not Known |
8 | Norbugang Yuksom, Coronation throne | 2 Lamas (Chembo and Rinzing Chembo) | Yuksom | 1.73 |
9 | Nor Gumpa | Chogal Tashi Namgyal | Gangtok | Not Known |
10 | Nub Dechen Phu | Guru Padmasambhava | Yukosom | Not Known |
10 | Phensong Monastry | Jigme Pawo | Yuksom | Not Known |
11 | Phurchachu | – | North sikkim | Not Known |
12 | Rani Dhunga | Lord Rama- Loarge stone | South Sikkim | Not Known |
13 | Rolep Boudha | Foot print of a tiger on a stone | West Sikkim | 2.4 (RF) |
14 | Rolu Devi than | Tiger and Ficus tree | East Sikkim | Not Known |
15 | Rumtek Old Monatry | – | South sikkim | Not Known |
16 | Tarku Tanak Kalimandir | Tarku Tanak | South sikkim | Not Known |
Source:
http://www.sikkimforest.gov.in/Reports%20and%20Publications/SacredGroves/