Sinon means 'the suppressor of intense fear'.
Ngadag Rinchhen Gon, the grandson of Saint Ngadag Sempa Chhenpo (one of the three pioneer Lamas of Sikkim), built Silnon Monastery in 1716 A.D, as recorded in Sikkim History by Chhogyal Thutob Namgyal. Whereas some authors believed that, it was founded in 1649 A.D. Nevertheless, being a family man opted to settle at Silnon, instead of Tashiding and made his dwelling house there in 1649 A.D.It was not to be called Gonpa as some authors claimed. From there Lama Ngadag Sempa Chhenpo used to guide the monks of Tashiding Gonpa.
in religious matters. Rinchen Gon the grant son of Ngadag Sempa also lived here at Silnon. The Gonpa was said to have been built upon a pond that existed there and hence the site was considered auspicious. The present structure was built in 1992 duly dismantling the old structure. The main Altar contains the Statues of Buddha and Eight Bodhisattvas said to have been made by Lama Ngadag's son Jampa Tenzing. Beside the Gonpa is a circular structure with three seats which is said to have been constructed as directed by Lt. Chaktha Rinpoche. One seat is kept for Chaktha Rinpoche while two others are meant for his previous incarnations Mani Sonam Rinchen and Drubthob Saraha. Nearby this structure is a Choedten(Stupa) which is said to have been erected by Lama Ngadag Sempa. It was built to protect the area against the attack of a demon who assumed the form of a five-headed snake. This snake is said to have been slain by the Lama and to exterminate it he built stone Mendangs on its body which can be seen along the road leading to the Gonpa. Behind the Gonpa is a flight of steps going down to a cave, which is said to be the abode of a Serpent Deity and nearby this cave is a small structure housing a stone bearing a footprint of Tulshuk Rinpoche. Tulshuk Rinpoche was a highly accomplished Yogi from Ladak who came to Sikkim and resided at Silnon for some years. His fame came to the notice of the then Chogyal, who sent councilors to verify the antecedents of this Lama around 1960. To prove his accomplishments the lama performed a miracle by imprinting his footprint on this stone. However, the police personnel summoned him to report to Gangtok the next day. The following day, when the Lama was on his way to Gangtok some people of Kewzing advised him not to go for they feared that he may get arrested. He was taken to Gyalshing instead where he stayed for some time till some locals requested him to lead them towards the famous hidden paradise of Mayel Nay which is believed to exist in the Khangchen Dzonga range. The lama specifically said that the time for entry into this hidden place had not arrived but the devotees insisted on visiting this place. Finally, after yielding to the devotee's requests, he agreed to lead the expedition during which he was killed by an avalanche on route to Mayel Nay. The monastery belongs to the Jhang-Ter Lineage of the Nyingmapa Sect and it functions all ceremonies throughout the year. There are many sacred objects of worship in the vicinity of this Gonpa, which were created by highly revered Lamas such as Tulshug Rinpoche and Chaktha Rinpoche who visited this Hidden Land in the 20th century and spread the spiritual flavor in...
Read more
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
