Dubdi monks demand monastery’s removal from ASI jurisdiction

File foto of the Dubdi Monastery above Yuksam in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 18 June: The monks of Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery of Sikkim, Dubdi Norbugang Kathog Sungkyob Committee and the Dubdi Duchi Committee received member of the National Minorities Commission, Government of India, KK Daruwala at the Monastery on 15 June and submitted a memorandum to him calling for removal of the Dubdi Monastery from the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India [ASI].
A press release informs that the monastery and Norbugang Chorten are currently under the “care and supervision” of ASI, which, they highlight, “has caused immense disturbances to the routine activities of the Monastery.”
The memorandum submitted to Mr Daruwala states: “By virtue of being under the ASI, any activity within the radius of 100 metres [which has now been extended to 300 metres] is restricted and subject to the authorization of ASI thereby disturbing performance of our age old and daily religious activities which frequently requires ASI’s permission”.
It further states that even regular rites like the annual Tordhog ceremony, regular Khangso and solkha, etc, have been disturbed over the years and efforts to revive the annual Gutor Chham on the occasion of Lossoong has remained long pending.
With the extension of area under the ASI’s purview from 100 to 300 metres, the memorandum expresses that even private holdings and local settlements are under the “illogical jurisdiction” of ASI.
The monks have further expressed their disapproval of ASI undertaking renovation of the monastery and the Norbugang Chorten which have been damaged by last year’s 18 Sept earthquake since they contend “ASI is not in a position to take care of the sacredness of the Dharma treasures [Terma] that the monastery has housed for centuries”.
The monks have requested for withdrawal of the Dubdi monastery and Norbugang Chorten from the jurisdiction of the ASI and renovation to be taken up with the view to preserve the traditions associated with the monastery.
A meeting of the monastic authority was also held on 15 June to deliberate on the Dubdi Oracle which indicates bad days ahead due to massive tempering and pollution of the local land and environment. The oracle has instructed performing of remedial pujas like Sherab Nyingpo, Dolma, Barche Lamsel and Sampa Lhundrubma, the release mentions.
The meeting also decided to approach the Chief Minister shortly to have their grievances meted out and thank his government, particularly for having such an efficient Chief Secretary, the release adds.