Five Temples One Must Visit when in Sikkim

The northeast state of Sikkim is known for many things, including its rich cultural history and heritage. One of the most visible marks of its culture can be seen in its buildings, such as temples and monasteries. These temples are built with a blend of Sikkim’s unique architectural styles and inspiration from religion, resulting in stunning structures that are sure to amaze anyone who sees them. With that said, here’s a list of five temples that one must visit if one wishes to truly understand the religious heritage of Sikkim.

Char Dham Mandir

Also known as Samdruptse Shiv Mandir, this temple is located on Solophok Hill near the town of Namchi. The main features of this temple are the hundred-and-eight foot statue of Lord Shiva and the replicas of twelve Jyotilingas. This temple attracts thousands and thousands of devotees every year, and it is believed that a single visit to this temple can cleanse oneself of one’s sins.

Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir

This temple is located in Legship in the Gyalshing district of Sikkim, along the banks of the River Rangeet. This is an especially holy site as that river has many connections with the Mahabharata, and is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva himself appeared before Arjun and blessed him with success for the war. 

Hanuman Tok

This temple complex is located in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. As one may infer by the name, it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It was built in the year 1952 and is maintained by the Indian Army. The beauty of this place is enhanced by the views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and surrounding greenery.

Ganesh Tok

One of the smaller yet renowned temples on this list, Ganesh Tok is found at Tashi Hill in Gangtok. It is a beautiful, quaint place that is believed to grant the wishes of devotees who come to worship Lord Ganesha. One may also spend time in the lounge to take in the views of the surroundings.

Shri Viswa Vinayaka Mandir

This temple is located in Rhenock, a town in the eastern part of Sikkim. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is surrounded by dense forested hills and a calm atmosphere. There are many statues throughout the grounds of the temple, and one may walk around to see all of them and spend some time in the serenity of this place.

While these may be the more famous temples of Sikkim, there are many more for those embarking on a spiritual journey to Sikkim. With its wondrous natural beauty and cultural influence, there is no place in Sikkim that would not inspire awe in visitors. For more information on traveling to Sikkim, check out this link.