Gonzang Monastery at Gangtok

Project Location: Tashi View Point, Gangtok, Sikkim

Project Architect: Ar. Lhendup W. Bhutia

Status: Completed

Client: H.E. Gonzang Rinpoche

Sacred Spaces / Gonzang Monastery

The design intervention on the Gonzang Monastery, 6 kms from the heart of the Gangtok, was not on the monastery itself but on the many surrounding spaces, that could give the religious site a new dimension.  Commissioned by Gonzang Rinpoche, the area sits on an altitude of 6066 feet. With religious sites taking its inhabitants and pilgrims at the centre of its focus, this monastery established in 1981 needed expansion – without interfering into its sacrosanct Buddhist architectural style.

The monastery was founded by Tingkye Gonzang Rinponche, who was conceded as an incarnation of Yelmo Terton Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo, a 15th-century Nyingma Terton. Though the monastery follows the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, the Bodhisattva deities enshrined are different from the other Nyigmapa Monastery. This already gave the monastery a unique look.

The need was then to design newer surrounding spaces, that would enhance the experience of the pilgrims as well as the inhabitants. Around the ancient and silent presence of the main praying hall, a Shreda – a school for monk students - was designed.  A Thashak – an accommodation for monks – a Tibetan healing centre, a meditation hall and a hostel for scholars was what we were asked to design.

Instead of moving into too many complexities, we decided to keep the pilgrim’s experience of the space, a simple one. On entry, the two-storeyed RCC structure houses a restaurant on the ground floor, public convenience in basement and a healing centre in the first floor.

Below the main chapel and the terrace of the building, we designed a courtyard for the monks as an area for recreation. A meditation hall, next to the courtyard, was designed as a silent space for reflection and more. A hostel with individual rooms, with attached toilets, to accommodate (give number) monks, kitchen and dining were made for comfort, peace and contemplation.  

Retaining its ancient aura in the architectural thought, the additions were made to enhance the experience of those seeking for something higher.