The pride of lower solu, Chiwong Chhyang - Chup Monastery is perched a cliff,
above Phaplu and the village of Chiwong itself. It was established in between
1919-1923 A.D by Sangey Tenpa Lama after taking refugee in Nepal away from his
homeland in Tibet. In the time of establishment, a Dharma Sangha was formed
out of 50 monks at the monastery by providing food grain allowances.
The major festival celebrated in Chiwong Monastery is the sacred celebration
of Mani Rimdu. The festival lasts for 19 days. People travel from all over the
world to celebrate the festival. Considered as an important festival in
Buddhist culture of the festival of Mani Rimdu is a re-creation of legendary
events; the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet by the great saint, Guru
Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Through the dances, symbolic demons are conquered,
dispelled, or converted to Dharma Protectors, as positive forces clash with
those of chaos. The dances convey Buddhist teachings on many levels.
Overall, Chiwong Monastery is truly and amazing fleet of religion, culture and
an architecture.