Exploring the Depths of Sikkim Caves

Sikkim features four holy caves, known as ‘Phug Chen Zhi’, which are part of the ‘gNas-Chen-InGa’ (Paanch Dhaam) of Sikkim. These caverns lie in four primary directions of Tashiding (West Sikkim), namely Sarchog Beyphug in the east, Lho Kando Sangphug in the south, Nub Dechenphug in the west, and Jhang Lhari Nyingphug in the north. According to the Holy Scripture, Tashiding is the Navel point of “Bayul Demajong” and serves as the Fifth Dhaam of sacred land. Experience these sanctified caves of Sikkim by booking cheap flight tickets to India from USA only on Flyopedia.

Guru Padmasambhava sanctified these caves, and now the Protective Divinities of Esoteric Buddhism inhabit them. These days, the Buddhists of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Bhutan regard these Caves as their primary place of pilgrimage. The Sikkimese Buddhists compare these caves to the “Char Dhaam” of Hindus. Buddhist devotees, especially those from Sikkim, make pilgrimages to these caves at least once in their lifetime.

Below are some details of the Sikkim Caves

Khando- Sangphu( Secret cave of the Dakinis)

The name Khando-Sangphu translates to “Secret Cave of the Dakinis.” You can opt for best business class flights to India from USA to explore This cave, situated to the south of Tashiding, and one of the four sacred caves of Sikkim. Its height ranges from 2 to 20 feet and extends almost 12 yards inward. In the far corner, there is a space large enough for a regular person to sit in a meditational position. As Guru pondered in the cave, he made a deep imprint on the roof above believed to be from his crown. When the Great Guru was in the cave, he expelled a demon that had been impeding his spiritual progress. There are numerous locations near the cave, including:

a. tshi-bum(longevity vase)
b. Simo-tuldo (Witch stone)
c. Phur-tsha-chu(hot spring)
d. Simo-sampo (Witches bridge)
e. Lhakhang (temple).

Lha-ri-nying-phuu Cave (Heart of the Gods Cave)

It translates to “Heart of the Gods Cave”. There are seven caves, each representing the dwelling of a different god or goddess. Guru Padmasambhava had stashed a large number of valuable artifacts and articles in this cave to ensure the prosperity of this hidden land. Many consider the northern cave to be the most sacred of all. Additionally, book your cheap flight tickets from Canada to India through Flyopedia.ca as we have the most affordable deals on international travel.

Shar-cho-bey-phuh cave (the secret cave in the east)

This refers to the cave in the eastern direction. Situated to the east of Tashiding, it stands at the core of the sacred locations. It is an enormous cave that is said to connect Mt. Tendong and Mt. Maenam. Its height fluctuates from 5 to 100 feet, according to the Denjong Neyig text. The cavern provided hints of the buried treasure of this sacred land. The mystic pattern on the sides and top of the cave has religious importance, as it represents the different deities and ritual artifacts blessed by Guru Padmasambhava during his stay in the cave.

Dechen-phu cave(The cave of great happiness)

It means “The Cave of Great Happiness”. As per Denjong Neyig, it is said that Chimme tshetar drubpa nup dechen phuu” meaning the western cave of great happiness showers a blessing of longevity. The blessings from Guru Padmasambhava for the cave can extend an individual’s lifespan.

Ways and places to get the pilgrimage started

While numerous routes exist to reach the Four Holy Caves, it strongly advises following the proper protocol to fully benefit from this pilgrimage, even if it is not essential to visit them all at once. It is also advisable to start this trip in February and March or October and November when the climate is generally pleasant and the locations are excellent for visits. Check out the last minute flight deals to India from USA offered by Flyopedia to the travellers for a seamless experience.

Pilgrims should circumambulate Tashiding Hill clockwise while visiting the Four Holy Caves. This entails starting the pilgrimage at the Eastern Cave ‘Sharchog Beyphug’, then proceeding to the Southern Cave ‘Khadro Sangphug’, followed by the Western Cave ‘Nub Dechen Phug’, then ‘Jhang Lhari Nyingphug’, and finally concluding the pilgrimage at Tashiding.

Also Read: The Top Hypnotic and Must-Visit Places of Sikkim, India