Religious Shrines in Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the northeastern states in India. in 2022, it has been declared the world's first organic state. It is rich in culture and heritage. It has a vast diversity in terms of culture, traditions, food, religion, etc.

It is mostly recognized for its hill stations, vibrant festivals, and as a major tourist destination.

One of the biggest attractions of Sikkim is the religious shrines. in terms of religion, Sikkim is highly diverse. There are more than 5 religious groups. beautiful monasteries, temples, and churches offer tranquility to the visitors. It is also known as a land of peace.

Here is a list of few Religious shrines that are worth your visit.

Ganesh Tok:

The literal meaning of the word ‘tok’ is ‘temple’ in the local language so it translates as the Ganesh Temple. It offers visitors panoramic views of the snow-dusted Kanchenjunga hills and the Gangtok city.

Among the magnificent Buddhist monasteries of Gangtok stands one of the many well-maintained temples of Sikkim, the Ganesh Tok, at a 13 km drive from The Elgin Nor-Khill. The temple is garnish with lights and flowers, hymns are chanted followed by an Aarti ceremony and fireworks, creating a spellbinding aura of divinity.The temple shrine is the abode of a beautifully sculpted idol of Lord Ganesh and is quite small so the devotees have to crawl to reach it. The prayer flags mounted along the path add to the vibrant and high spirits of the temple.

Seeking blessings at Sikkim Ganesh Tok, where spirituality meets panoramic views

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is resolute to Lord Hunuman. Hanuman Tok is throng by devotees from all over India and abroad. This house of worship is located 11Km from Gangtok which takes to the another famous destination Nathula.

Once you visit this place, you get peace and will make you feel spiritually connected .

As soon as you mount the stairs, you can hear the religious music going on. The best thing about it is it gets the view which embrace a part of Gangtok and beautiful hills and valley. One should visit this place because your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.

Sikkim Hanuman Tok: A Divine Retreat Amidst the Himalayan Serenity

Solophok Chardham

Solophok Chardham is famous for the Lord Shiva big sitting statue and perfect 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 the height of 08 feet.

The whole complex is divided into four key elements, viz., (1) Shiva Statue with 12 Jyotirlingas, (2) Char Dham, (3) Sai Baba Temple and (4) Kirateshwar statue as well Nandi bull the ride of Lord Shiva, Sai dwar, Sai Temple, Kirat dwar and Shiv Dwar.

The whole complex is divided into four key elements, viz., (1) Shiva Statue with 12 Jyotirlingas, (2) Char Dham, (3) Sai Baba Temple and (4) Kirateshwar statue as well Nandi bull the ride of Lord Shiva, Sai dwar, Sai Temple, Kirat dwar and Shiv Dwar.

Sikkim Solophok Chardham

Kirateshwar Mahadeva Temple

Kirateshwar Mahadeva Temple is pre-dominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Three deities are worshipped within the compounds of this temple. Lord Shiva (Hindu god) is the sole deity worshiped inside the main sanctum. There are two other beautiful shrines that contain idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Rama.

Best time to visit: If you are a devotee you can visit this place during festival o the best time to visit this temple is from February to May. Bala Chaturdesi is the first festival celebrated in November and December. Followed by Shivaratri celebrated in February/March.

Sikkim Seeking Divine Blessings at the Enchanting Sikkim Kirateshwar Mahadeva Temple

Rumtek Monastery

Undoubtedly, this is Sikkim’s most famous monastery, and every visitor to Sikkim is likely to visit the Rumtek Monastery, even in a 3-4 day trip to Sikkim. Rumtek Village is 24 km away from Gangtok (Sikkim’s capital), and the monastery is the headquarters of the Black Hat Sect (one of the oldest sects of Tibetan Buddhism).

There are two buildings of Rumtek Monastery, one is relatively newer (built in 1966), and the older Rumtek Monastery was founded in 1740 by the fourth Chogyal of Sikkim. A path leads to a shrine called Golden Stupa, it is a chorten made of silver and gold, and studded with precious stones such as turquoise, amber and coral. It is recommended to attend the morning prayers at Rumtek Monastery.

The Old Rumtek Monastery is around 2 kms away from the newer one, and the path is surrounded by white prayer flags. The exterior of the monastery is in a light shade of blue, and is built in traditional Sikkimese alpine style, with latticed wooden windows.

Presence of armed personnel comes as a rude shock in the heavily guarded complex; there have been disputes over the future Rinpoche of this monastery resulting in a tense situation. There is a wide range of accommodation available in Rumtek; from home-stays, hotels, guesthouses to boutique stays.

Serene Splendor: Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim

Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. Popular for this monastery, Pemayangtse is located about 107 km west of Gangtok. At an elevation of 5840 ft, the town has the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and valleys with dense forests.The monastery is also the starting point of the 46 km long Dzongri trekking trail through the dense forests in Khangchendzonga National Park. This trekking trail is considered to be the most popular in Sikkim. You can also visit the ruins of Rabdentse that are located near the town. The best time to visit the monastery is during the Cham dance festival when the lamas of the monastery dress up in colourful costumes and perform the dance.

Serene Solitude: Exploring the Spiritual Beauty of Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim

Sirdisai Mandir, Namchi

Small but beautiful Sikkim is blessed with an outstanding Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir situated in Assanthang, a couple of kilometers away from the district headquarters of Namchi. The temple is a religious and pilgrimage center dedicated to the people of Sikkim by the honorable Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Chamling.

Seeking Serenity: Sikkim's Sirdisai Mandir, Namchi where Tranquility Meets Spirituality

Seeking Serenity: Sikkim's Sirdisai Mandir, Namchi where Tranquility Meets Spirituality

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir is a two storied building displaying the modern architecture; the ground floor accommodates devotees for singing hymns in praise of Shridi Baba and the first floor provides dwelling to the marble statue of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and ten other beautiful paintings of Lord Vishnu (Hindu God) in ten different incarnations.

The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden from where one could get a panoramic view of Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Also read: Religious shrines in Darjeeling.