Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Sikkim State – at 10:38 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in  Sikkim  State

Sikkim

 

Sikkim  , also known as Shikim or Shikimpati) is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayan mountains. The state borders Nepal to the west, China's Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Bhutan to the southeast. The Indian state of West Bengal lies to the south.
With 607,688 inhabitants as of the 2011 census, Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state after Goa in total area, covering approximately 7,096 km² (2,740 sq mi).  Sikkim is nonetheless geographically diverse due to its location in the Himalayas; the climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine, and Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, is located on Sikkim's border with Nepal. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination, owing to its culture, scenery and biodiversity. It also has the only open land border between India and China. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok.
According to legend, the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche visited Sikkim in the 8th century AD, introduced Buddhism and foretold the era of the monarchy. Sikkim's Namgyal dynasty was established in 1642. Over the next 150 years, the kingdom witnessed frequent raids and territorial losses to Nepalese invaders. In the 19th century, it allied itself with the British rulers of India, eventually becoming a British protectorate. In 1975, a referendum abolished the Sikkimese monarchy, and the territory was merged with India.
Sikkim is the only state in India with an ethnic Nepali majority.  Sikkim has 11 official languages: Nepali (which is its lingua franca), Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Magar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar. English is taught in schools and used in government documents. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Sikkim's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism, and as of 2011 the state has the fourth-smallest GDP among Indian states, although it is also among the fastest-growing.

The most widely accepted origin theory of the name Sikkim is that it is a combination of two Limbu words: su, which means "new", and khyim, which means "palace" or "house". The name is believed to be a reference to the palace built by the state's first ruler, Phuntsog Namgyal. The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Denjong, which means "valley of rice". The Lepcha people, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, called it Nye-mae-el, meaning "paradise", while the Bhutias call it Beyul Demazong, which means '"the hidden valley of rice".  In Hindu religious texts, Sikkim is known as Indrakil, the garden of the war god Indra.

Sikkim has four districts – East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. The district capitals are Gangtok, Gyalshing, Mangan and Namchi respectively. These four districts are further divided into subdivisions; Pakyong and Rongli are the subdivisions of the East district, Soreng is the subdivision of the West district, Chungthang is the subdivision of the North district and Ravongla is the subdivision of the South district.
Each of Sikkim's districts is overseen by a Central Government appointee, the district collector, who is in charge of the administration of the civilian areas of the district. The Indian Army has control over a large part of the state, as Sikkim forms part of a sensitive border area with China. Many areas are restricted to foreigners, and official permits are needed to visit them.

Transport

Air

 

Sikkim currently does not have any airports or railheads because of its rough terrain. However, Pakyong Airport, the state's first airport, is expected to be completed in 2012, at a distance of 30 km (19 mi) from Gangtok. The airport will be capable of operating ATR aircraft. Currently, the closest operational airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport, near the town of Siliguri in West Bengal. The airport is about 124 km away from Gangtok. A regular helicopter service run by the Sikkim Helicopter Service connects Gangtok to Bagdogra; the flight is thirty minutes long, operates only once a day, and can carry 4 people.  The Gangtok helipad is the only civilian helipad in the state.

Roads

National Highway 31A and National Highway 31 link Siliguri to Gangtok. Sikkim National Transport runs bus and truck services. Privately run bus, tourist taxi and jeep services operate throughout Sikkim, and also connect it to Siliguri. A branch of the highway from Melli connects western Sikkim. Towns in southern and western Sikkim are connected to the hill stations of Kalimpong and Darjeeling in northern West Bengal. The state is furthermore connected to Tibet by the mountain pass of Nathu La.

Rail

Sikkim lacks significant railway infrastructure. The closest major railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri in neighbouring West Bengal.  However, the New Sikkim Railway Project has been launched to connect the town of Rangpo in Sikkim with Sevoke. The project is expected to be complete by 2015. In addition, the Ministry of Railways has recently proposed plans for railway lines linking Mirik to Ranipool.

Rangpo–Sevoke railway

In October 2009, the Vice President of India laid the foundation stone for the planned railway line from Rangpo to Sevoke on Sikkim's border with West Bengal.  In 2008, the track was proposed to be 53 kilometres (33 mi) long. However, the 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge track was later revised to a length of 45 kilometres (28 mi), only 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) of which will be in Sikkim, with the rest lying within West Bengal. Of the route, 32 kilometres (20 mi) will be in tunnels, while numerous railway bridges will span gorges and valleys, with a proposed 65 kilometres per hour (40 mph) speed limit. Five railway stations will be constructed at Melli, Tista Bazar, Geilkhola, Riang and Rangpo. The track will be constructed through the foothills of the Kangchenjunga mountain range and the Teesta River valley.
The Rangpo–Sevoke line is intended to not only provide economic benefits for Sikkim, but also to permit the Indian Army to more easily move soldiers and equipment to the border with Chinese-ruled Tibet. In 2008, the project was planned to be completed in 2015 at an estimated cost of INR 33 billion, but its completion is likely to be delayed, as Indian Railways only signed a contract with the construction company, IRCON, in May 2010. By February 2013, the state government was still assessing the project before granting its approval; environmental advisors warned that the railway could pose a threat to local wildlife, including elephants

Ethnicity

Due to a centuries-long population influx from Nepal, the majority of Sikkim's residents are of Nepali ethnic origin. The native Sikkimese consist of the Bhutias, who migrated from the Kham district of Tibet in the 14th century, and the Lepchas, who are believed to have migrated from the Far East. Tibetans reside mostly in the northern and eastern reaches of the state. Migrant resident communities include Biharis, Bengalis and Marwaris, who are prominent in commerce in South Sikkim and Gangtok.

Religion

Hinduism has been the state's major religion since the arrival of the Nepalis; an estimated 60.93 per cent of the total population are now adherents of the religion. Sikkim's second-largest religion is Buddhism, which accounts for 28.1 per cent of the population. Sikkim has 75 Buddhist monasteries, the oldest dating back to the 1700s. Christians in Sikkim are mostly descendants of Lepcha people who were converted by British missionaries in the late 19th century, and constitute around 6.6 per cent of the population. Other religious minorities include Muslims of Bihari ethnicity and Jains, who each account for roughly 1 per cent of the population.  The traditional religions of the native Sikkimese account for much of the remainder of the population.

Languages

Nepali is the lingua franca of Sikkim, while Sikkimese and Lepcha are spoken in certain areas. English and Hindi are also spoken and understood in most of Sikkim. Other languages include Dzongkha, Groma, Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Majhi, Majhwar, Nepal Bhasa, Rai, Sherpa, Sunuwar, Tamang, Thulung, Tibetan, and Yakha

 

Some Religious Places

There is a close proximity between custom and religion in Sikkim. They are almost synonym and are equally revered by the people. Almost all customs, fasts and religious festivals are associated with different Gods and Goddess. It would be pertinent here to mention some of the important religious places of Sikkim.

Gamgtok Tourist Attractions

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple 

The temple lies around the road between the Nathula and also the Jelepla Pass and is visited by hundreds of individuals each day. The temple is believed to have wish-fulfilling powers and several devotees leave behind bottles of water at the temple which they pick up on their way back as holy water. On Sundays a ‘langar’ is run at the temple which provides free meals towards the guests. 

The legend of Baba goes back 35 years when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing although main a pack of mules from his battalion stationed at Tukla to Deng Dhukla, both remote areas situated in East Sikkim. A manhunt was launched and it took the army three days to find his body. It is believed that he himself led the soldiers towards the website. Soon after, soldiers in the regiment started reporting that Baba had been appearing in their dreams and directing that a shrine be constructed in his memory. A Samadhi was raised in his memory and believers say that even today Baba visits each night, puts on his uniform and does his rounds. He is worshipped like a saint who grants boons and guards the lives of soldiers posted alongside the border.
Each year in September Baba requires his annual holiday and travels back to Kapurthala, his hometown. People gather in big numbers and line the route that Baba will take to provide flowers and prayers. A berth on a train is reserved in his name and two orderlies accompany him around the journey. The legend of this Sepoy-Saint grows stronger with each passing day.

Bakthang Waterfalls
20 minutes drive from Gangtok is Bakthang Water Falls alongside the 31 A National Highway leading to North Sikkim. It originates from Ratey Chu, the main water source of Gangtok region. Suggested to go to with a view to relax and to take photographs.
Ban Jhakri Falls 
Situated en route to Ranka and 4 kms away from Gangtok, the Ban Jhakri Falls Energy Park, lies amidst a lush green valley spread more than two acres, surrounded by trees along with a gushing mountain river. The Park has a shamanistic theme. Hence, although the location of the Park penetrating the forest spreads seeks to enhance the essence of the occult and the unknown, the location itself is littered with ethnic sculptures and figurines from the jhakri culture.
The park includes a waterfall and has well laid out trails to wander along with gazebos placed at convenient spots to soothe weary legs although the eyes can continue to marvel more than the gushing streams and falls. Sikkimese styled foot bridges add more colour towards the myriad hued park adorned with exotic flowers of wide selection. A dragon-adorning splash pool beckons longingly at children who can splash about, while the exhibition centre also doubles as a cafeteria. Designated fishing spots along the stream further provide visitors a chance to dwell more than life matters although waiting for a bite of the local trout.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
It is situated at a distance of 25 kms from Gangtok having an region of 51. 76 sq. km. The main vegetation discovered are oak, katus, kimbu, champa, thick bamboos and ferns. The sanctuary is also house to a big variety of wild orchids, rhododendrons, etc. The richly forested region is recognized to become the house for various species of wild animals and birds. This area, situated close to Gangtok, can also be a brief trekking trail. A log Home with two rooms is available at Golitar and Tumin. 
Menmecho Lake 

Upon covering a distance of 64 kms from Gangtok via Sherathang (6 kms short of well-known Nathula Pass) 1 comes across a marvellous snow fed water body known as Menmecho Lake (altitude 13,000 ft). Surrounded by lush green forest and typical reddish alpine grass cover, it is the supply of the riv Rangpochu.
Larger in size than Tsomgo lake, it's full of trout fish. Impressed by its calm and quiet atmosphere and rare beauty, one can spend hours in splendid isolation.
Saramsa Garden

About 14 kms. from Gangtok will be the Saramsa Garden. Established and maintained by the Department of Forests, it's an excellent recreation, leisure and picnic spot. A musical fountain and a swimming pool are the recent additions. The Garden will be the venue for the International Flori Show 2008.

A beautiful Convention Center for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) has been constructed at Saramsa, 14 km from Gangtok with a sitting capacity of 500 and all modern facilities. Meetings and Exhibitions can be held here in an eco-friendly peaceful environment.
Thakurbari Temple 

The Thakurbari temple is located within the heart of Gangtok town. It was constructed in 1945-47 on a prime piece of land donated by Sir Thutop Namgyal, the former Maharaja of Sikkim. Idols and images of all the main Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism are installed within the temple.
It gets a big number of visitors and tourists on the occusion of festivals and social events. 
Water Garden 

Water Garden at Martam Khola is on 31 A National Highway, 16 Kms South of Gangtok. It is an perfect spot for picnic having a little swimming pool for kids. A Vacationer cafeteria and way side amenity have been also provided.

Bakthang Waterfalls 

20 minutes drive from Gangtok is Bakthang Water Falls alongside the 31 A National Highway leading to North Sikkim. It originates from Ratey Chu, the main water source of Gangtok region. Suggested to go to with a view to relax and to take photographs.
Ban Jhakri Falls 

Situated en route to Ranka and 4 kms away from Gangtok, the Ban Jhakri Falls Energy Park, lies amidst a lush green valley spread more than two acres, surrounded by trees along with a gushing mountain river. The Park has a shamanistic theme. Hence, although the location of the Park penetrating the forest spreads seeks to enhance the essence of the occult and the unknown, the location itself is littered with ethnic sculptures and figurines from the jhakri culture.
The park includes a waterfall and has well laid out trails to wander along with gazebos placed at convenient spots to soothe weary legs although the eyes can continue to marvel more than the gushing streams and falls. Sikkimese styled foot bridges add more colour towards the myriad hued park adorned with exotic flowers of wide selection. A dragon-adorning splash pool beckons longingly at children who can splash about, while the exhibition centre also doubles as a cafeteria. Designated fishing spots along the stream further provide visitors a chance to dwell more than life matters although waiting for a bite of the local trout.

Himalayan (Bulbuley) Zoological Park 

How to reach Gangtok

8 kms away from Gangtok will be the Himalayan Zoological Park which covers an region of 205 hectares. This area is also recognized as Bulbulay. Located just over Ganesh Tok, the park is home to a number of animals residing in open enclosures in their organic habitat.
If you're lucky you might see the Red Panda, Sikkim’s state animal, the barking Deer, Tibetan wolves, panthers, Civet cats or even the Himalayan Black Bear. The Park also has ‘Kush’ and ‘Urbashi’, a snow leopard pair residing in. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Gangtok isn't immediately served by airlines. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal. It is 124Km away from Gangtok, which is about 4.5 to 5 hrs travel. Many buses, cabs, shared 4wheelers and hired vehicles are easily available.

Gangtok isn't on the railway chart. The closest rail station is New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, which is 125km apart from Gangtok. Trains from all the main cities of India hook up to New Jalpaiguri.  
By Air : Bagdogra in West Bengal is the nearest airport, from where scheduled flights operates to and fro from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati. The Bagdogra airport is linked to Gangtok by a helicopter service. One may effortlessly obtain heli service offered by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation on regular schedule and it will take twenty minutes to get to Gangtok from Bagdogra

By Rail : Closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (125 km) stabilizing link to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other key cities in India.

By Road : The NH 31A is conveniently connected with Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong by road. The availability of 4wheelers, private buses and cabs from Bagdora and Siliguri make venturing by road a trouble free journey for the tourists. One can also take Sikkim state transport buses from Gangtok to Siliguri. 

Ganesh Tok  Temple

It is situated on the ridge at a distance of 7 kms from Gangtok. From this Spot 1 can get birds eye watch of sprawling Gangtok town, although throughout the hills Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves hot tea, coffee and snacks. The view from here is truly breathtaking with snow peaks providing the ideal backdrop for a panoramic watch of Gangtok town.
Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the temple is situated at an altitude of 6500 ft on the panoramic hilltop. At present the temple is surrounded by a stunning pinetum, Bulbylay Zooligical Park along with a smriti-van, wherein guests plant saplings within the memory of their dear departed.

 

 

Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Sikkim

Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple which is located in Legship, West Sikkim, India along the banks of River Rangeet.

Legends

According to a popular legend, pleased with Arjuna's hard penance and devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the very spot where the temple lies as a Kirat or hunter and blessed him with success in the Mahabharat War.

Legship

Legship is a small town situated in the West Sikkim district. In Sikkim, Legship is situated on the banks of river Rangit.

In recent years, Legship at Sikkim has become the gateway of West Sikkim; as a result, tourism at Legship of Sikkim is developing manifold. With the development of the River Dam at Legship, the place has gained a lot of significance in recent times. Due to the River Dam, Legship has emerged as a site for the Water Based Tourism theme.

However, Legship is known for its Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir, which finds reference in the Mahabharata. As the legend goes, one day when Arjuna was meditating in the forest in Legship, he heard some noise. Realizing that it might be some beast, Arjuna set a target and shot at the animal: subsequently, another arrow came flying at the same time from the opposite direction and pierced the target. Thus, there was a confusion as who had shot the target first: but, owing to his dexterity, Arjuna realized that it could not be anyone, but Lord Shiva himself. Therefore, he bowed before him and sought his blessings. As a result, Lord Shiva showed Arjuna his true self and blessed him with his own arrow. It is said that Arjuna used the same arrow to defeat his brothers at the Mahabharata.

Talking about the population of Legship, it can be said that Legship of Sikkim possesses a very sparse population: Legship is known to house less than thousand people, who run their own business to earn their livelihood.

 

Hanuman Tok, Sikkim

Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple complex which is located in upper reaches of Gangtok, the capital of Indian state of Sikkim.The temple is dedicated to Hanuman, the Monkey God. The temple is maintained by the Indian army.

Legends

According to the local legends, when Hanuman was flying with the “Sanjeevani”( mythological life saving herb) mountain to save Rama's brother Lakshmana he rested in the spot where his temple now lies for some time

 

Thakurbari Temple, Gangtok

The Thakurbari Temple is a Hindu temple located in Gangtok, in the heart of the town. It is one of the oldest Hindu temple is Sikkim built in a land donated by the erstwhile Chogyal of Sikkim in 1935.  The temple houses almost all major deities and has emerged as an important center of convergence for the Hindu community of Gangtok.

Upgradation

Subsequently, the temple was upgraded to a major temple-complex in the time period between 1945-47.
In 2011, the temple complex is further being upgraded to include multipurpose hall and library. It is expected completion by 2012.

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )