Namchi, which is the capital city of the South Sikkim district, is famous for Char Dham Sikkim. The place is located at a height of 1315 meters and offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley.
Char Dham Namchi Sikkim
Char Dham Namchi Sikkim or Siddheshwar Dham is one of the famous tourist destinations in Sikkim. The meaning of Namchi is Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Bhutia. The temple is located at a height of 5,500 feet above mean sea level. It is spread over more than 7 acres of land and its complex includes various other religious sites such as Sai Baba Temple, Kirateshwar statue besides Nandi bull, Sai Dwar, Kirateshwar Statue, Sai Temple, Kirat Dwar, Shiv Dwar, and Musical fountain.
The place is worshipped by Shiva devotes and others as one can find a 33 m massive Shiva statue raised on the Solophok hilltop. The 18-foot statue of Kirateshwar a hunter incarnation of Shiva is also located here. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva, after losing Sati in Agnikund, had gone into seclusion and became a hunter in Sikkim’s forests.
Siddhesvara Dham was built by Shri Jagadguru Sankaracharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati in November 2011. It is a replica of all the 12 Jyotirlingas and Char Dhams in India. The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Badrinath, Dwaraka, and Rameswaram have been replicated in this fantastic complex. Jyotirlinga is a religious place representing Lord Shiva. Jyoti means brightness and lingam is the symbol of Shiva’.
Replica of 12 Jyotirlingas
Twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are replicated at Siddheshwar temple/ char dham Namchi Sikkim. Due to this, the temple has been added to the list of popular temples in India in such a short time. These 12 Jyotirlingas are replicas of twelve Jyotirlingas/ Dwadash Jyotirlingas such as Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Vishwanath, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwar and Ghushneshwar surround the idol of Lord Shiva.
Since it is quite difficult for every person to visit Char Dham and 12 Jyotirlingas in his entire life. So, at Siddheshwar, the devotes can see all four dhams and 12 Jyolingas in one place. All efforts are made to make the Char Dham temples looks like the original temples. Due to the big size of the temple, it takes approx. two hours to visit all the temples in the temple premises.
Char Dham Namchi is a huge pilgrimage complex surrounded by Hindu temples from all sides. Also, Solophok Hill holds historical and religious significance. According to the beliefs, visiting this temple will wash away one’s sins.
Char Dham Namchi Sikkim Timings
The timings to visit Char Dham temple Namchi Sikkim are from 8 AM till 7 PM.
Apart from being a religious place, the temple has some other facilities also. Some of the facilities offered to the devotees at char Dham temple Namchi Sikkim include information kiosks, a VIP guest house, a security building cum auditorium cum cafeteria, car parking, a driver’s room, a viewing pavilion, a main prayer hall, a dormitory, 96 bedded Yatri Niwas, etc.
Char Dham Temple Namchi Location
Namchi is located at a distance of almost 92 km from the state capital Gangtok, also it is 90 km from the town of Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. The place is located off the road between Melli and Jorethang and is well-connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal.
Best time to visit char Dham temple Sikkim
The Chardham is absolutely a wonderful place to go for religious people who believe in gaining positive energy. The summer is the best time to visit this place and meditate here. Since the summer temperature is quite pleasurable, one can enjoy sightseeing as well.
Also to enjoy the views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and its allies, the months from March to May and then again from September to January are the best months. Many people also prefer visiting char Dham temple Sikkim during the monsoon season as the blooming and colorful flowers enhance the beauty of the place manifolds.
Places to see in Solophok Char Dham
Chardham complex in Sikkim is divided into four parts including:
– Statue of Lord Shiva with 12 Jyotirlingas
– Chardham
– Sai Baba Temple
– Kirateshwar statue
There are various other sacred sites near to the char dham Sikkim including Nandi bull temple, Sai dwar, Shiv dwar, and Kirat Dwar.
Nearest Tourist Attraction of Char Dham Temple Sikkim
Shirdi Sai Mandir, Assangthang
Dedicated to Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, this temple is a two-story building that was built in 2010. On the first floor, there is a shimmering statue of Shirdi Sai Baba which is adorned with modern architecture. The ground floor has an accommodation for the devotees to sing and immerse in the devotion of Sai Baba. The place is surrounded by a beautiful garden offering a picturesque view of Mt. Kanchendzonga.
Ralang Monastery
It is one of the most sacred monasteries of Sikkim which is built to honor the pilgrimage of the fourth Ghoyal to Tibet. The monastery offers shelter to more than 100 monks. To celebrate Pang Lhabsol festival, the annual festival of Namchi, the monastery is lightened up lights. Here at this monastery, one can experience the true Buddhist culture.
Samdruptse Hill
Samdruptse is listed among the top places to see in Namchi. It is also a popular place for pilgrimage in South Sikkim. While visiting this place, one can see a majestic statue of Guru Padmasambhava, a saint who lived in Sikkim. The statue is located at a height of 148 feet and is the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the entire world.
Doling Gompa
Located on a small hillock, Doling Gompa is just 4 km away from Ravangla and follows one of the oldest sects of Buddhism, Nyingmapa. Located on an elevated platform, the place offers a picturesque view of mighty mountains and thick forests.
Rose Garden
For nature lovers, Rose Garden is an ideal destination to visit. One can see hundreds of varieties of roses in the garden which is spread over more than 23 acres of land.
How To Reach Char Dham Temple Sikkim (Siddhesvara Dham)
By Air: The nearest airport to Char Dham Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport (105 Km).
By Rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station which is located at a distance of almost 95 Km.
By Road: The tourists can take either a public or private vehicle to reach char dham Sikkim or Siddhesvara Dham Temple Namchi Sikkim.
FAQs About Char Dham Temple Namchi Sikkim
Why is Solophok Chardham famous?
Solophok Chardham is popular for the Lord Shiva’s big sitting statue. It is an ideal destination for Shiva devotees.
Is char dham Sikkim Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre?
Yes, it is the Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre and Lord Shiva seated on Solophok Hill. The place constitutes of 12 Jyotirlingas.
What are the 4 Dham names in Sikkim?
The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwarika, Rameswaram, and Badrinath have been replicated in this fantastic complex to benefit the devotees who visit this place.
How tall is the Shiva statue in Char Dham Sikkim?
Solophok Chardham is famous for Lord Shiva’s big sitting statue and is an ideal destination for Shiva devoted to visit. This popular attraction of Sikkim was founded by Shri Pawan Chamling and the statue of Lord Shiva is 87 feet huge in its main temple with a height of 08 feet.
