Table of Contents
- Badrinath Dham
- Rameshwaram Dham
- Dwarka Dham
- Jagganath Dham
How to Reach Siddeshwar Dham
Best Time to Visit Siddeshwar Dham
Siddheshwar Dham: The Center of Spirituality
Ever since the inauguration of the pilgrimage site in 2011, Siddheshwar Dham (also known as Char Dham) has been pulling in devotees and tourists. The Char Dham temple complex is located on Solophok hilltop in Namchi and features 12 Jyotirlingas, 108 feet Lord Shiva Idol, Badrinath Dham, Rameshwaram Dham, Dwarka Dham, Jagannath Dham and idol of Kirateshwar. The Char Dhams and 12 Jyotirlingas are replicas of original pilgrimage sites in India. The temple complex also features a serene and beautiful idol of Lord Shiva (about 108 ft tall) in a yogi awastha (meditative state).
Besides being an important centre for spirituality, Sikkim’s Char Dham is also a place for religious worship. The government of Sikkim uses it to promote religious tourism in Namchi, (South Sikkim).
The Importance of Siddheswar Dham Temple
The Siddheswar Dham Temple which is a pilgrimage cum cultural heritage complex is built by the Rural Development and Management Department of Sikkim. It demonstrates a unique blend of faith and artistry. Those who might not have the good fortune of covering every single Jyotrilinga and Char dham pilgrimage which are at remote locations can fulfil their desire by visiting this temple complex. The complex also includes a Sai Baba temple (a saint who is revered across faiths).
Legend Associated with Siddheswar Dham Temple
According to the legends, before the battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna performed a deep penance on the Solophok hill for Lord Shiva. Impressed by his sheer discipline and determination, Lord Shiva blessed him and presented an all-powerful Pashupata astra, which would defeat the most vile of enemies.
In 2011, the temple was established and after the consecration ceremony was performed to commemorate Shiva’s greatness in presenting Arjuna with the divine weapon.
The Architectural Beauty of Siddheshwar Dham
The entire temple complex of Siddheshwar Dham is sprawled across 7 acres of area. The prime attraction of the temple is the 108 foot tall statue of Lord Shiva. The idol is perched at the highest point of the Solophok hill and faces towards the rising sun.
The Siddheshwar Dham temple also features a giant idol of Nandi Bull perched in front of the main Shiva temple. There are 12 jyotirlingas replicas inside the temple complex. Inside the temple, one can find many walls with paintings and murals taken from Shiv purana, including the auspicious union of Shiva and Shakti.
This remarkable temple complex has for most revered sites for Hindus: Jagannath, Dwarka, Rameswaram, and Badrinath. According to Hindu faith, each Hindu should go on a Char Dham yatra at least once in their life. Out of the four, the three – Badrinath, Jagannath Dham, and Dwarka are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whereas Rameshwar Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Char Dhams of Siddeshwar Dham
1. Badrinath Dham
According to puranas, in satyuga, Lord Vishnu once meditated in the forest of berries (Bardi) hence the place came to be known as Badrinath (Badri Ka Van). In Badrinath where Narnaraya meditated, a huge berry tree grew to protect him from the rain and sun. It is believed that it was goddess Lakshmi who incarnated as the berry tree and protected Lord Vishnu during the course of his mediation. This came to be known as the first dham.
2. Rameshwaram Dham
Rameshawarm is a Shiva Temple and is believed to be established in Treta Yuga by Lord Rama himself to worship Lord Shiva before his battle with Ravana. The temple is located in Tamil Nadu. The word Rameshwaram itself means the god of Rama.
3. Dwarka Dham
The third most auspicious dham (temple) in Dwapar yuga is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is located in Dwarka as it became the residence of Lord Krishna after he left his birthplace Mathura.
4. Jagganath Dham
Located in Puri, Orissa, Jagganath Dham is also dedicated to Lord Vsignu . The temple houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and the Goddess Subhadra. According to the legends, this temple was established by a tribal King Viswavasu.
How to Reach Siddheshwar Dham (Char Dham)
To reach Siddheshwar Dham (Char Dham), one can take a taxi or shared jeep from Namchi, which is well-connected by road from Gangtok (78 km) and Siliguri/Bagdogra. The temple is open from 8 AM – 7 PM and the entry fee is INR 50 per person.
The temple complex offers a paid car parking where visitors can park their vehicles. A person has to walk about 300 m to reach the temple complex. If any person has mobility issues, the temple staff can organise battery operated carts or let those people enter from separate entrances to offer prayers to the deity.
Best Time to Visit Siddheshwar Dham (Char Dham)
October to November and March to May are the ideal months to visit Siddheshwar Dham (Char Dham). One must avoid monsoon season as roads can become slippery and hamper your temple exploration experience. To learn more about the temple visit and plan a Sikkim trip, contact: sikkimtourism.org