Bhutia Busty Gompa

The Bhutia Busty Gompa is an ancient monastery in Darjeeling located in the Bhutia Busty area. It is also known as Karmaa Dorjee Choling monastery. The views of Mt Kanchendzonga from the monastery are breathtaking. This monastery was earlier located in Observatory Hill where the Mahakal Temple stands today. It was initially built there in 1761 by the Lama Dorje Rinzing. It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas. You can explore the gompa with our Darjeeling tour packages, with which you can enjoy the vacation at its best. These holiday packages are customizable and you can reiterate the itinerary according to your requirements. Contact our travel experts for more information and to book a tour with us!

History

The monastery had been through a series of misfortunes. In 1815, the monastery was plundered and completely ravaged during the Gorkha invasion. The current Bhutia Busty Monastery was built in the year 1879. In 1934 an earthquake destroyed the monastery. It was rebuilt with the Late Chogyal (Dharmaraja) patronage of Sikkim. Considering its origin from its first foundation at the Observatory Hill, this is the oldest Buddhist Monastery in Darjeeling. It has been through multiple changes in its physical appearance and location.

Attractions

The Bhutia Busty Gompa enjoys a picturesque location. In the misty locales of Darjeeling, a short distance from the busy town, the monastery lies in a peaceful place. The structure of the monastery is remarkable. It has been built in a traditional style with Sikkimese influence, and it is an excellent example of Darjeeling’s lively Buddhism tradition. The monastery’s prayer room has a model of Buddha and photographs of the Dalai Lama. Tara Devi and Lakshmi Eswari are also housed here.

Large murals depict Budhha’s life. Artfully created on the walls, they look like wall paintings but are treasured artwork. Created with different stones converted into powder form by grinding them, each reflects multiple shades of colors at different times. Many murals also have real gold powder. In addition, the monastery has a collection of old Buddhist scripts. One of the original pieces of the “Book of Dead” is its prized possession.