“How the mighty has fallen.” My guide said.
“Yeah! It’s tough to believe that it was once a great palace.”
Trust me, you would have felt the same if you visited the ruins of the old Rabdentse palace in Sikkim.
Located on a lower hillock, the ruined palace was once a part of the second capital of Sikkim as established by the second Chogyal. It happened in the latter half of the 17th century.
“The kingdom had this as its erstwhile capital till the year 1814 A.D. However, the palace along with the monastery complex is now in ruins.” My guide had a lot of things to tell me.
“But fortunately, the Archaeological Survey of India has now taken it upon itself to maintain the monument and undertake the restoration works.”
The dense forest surrounding the palace and the serene water pond further add to the aura of the ruins.
I was instantly won over by the scenic view that I got to enjoy from the top of the ruins. I could see a deep valley as well as the mystic heights of the majestic Kanchendzonga range.
“Just imagine, there was once a flourishing colony around the palace. This particular colony was established after Chogyal Phuntshog Namgyal was consecrated in the 1641 AD.”
It took me a walk through the beautiful chestnut trees forest to reach a stone throne. It has three standing stones alongside.
“This throne is basically the Namphogang. It is the seat from where the judge gave their final judgment, during that time.”
I also got to see Taphap Chorten, which my guide told me required the visitors to take off their hats, before they tried to enter the palace.
The ruins are just overwhelming, because there are wonderful things sting standing tall. It is a piece of history, which one should definitely have a look at.
Take some time and plan a visit to the Rabdentse Palace ruins.
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