Namchi Chardham  the most visited tourism spot

Photo: Chardham or Siddheswari temple at Namchi

    Namchi Chardham became the most visited tourism spot within a short period in Sikkim   “Siddesvara Dham” popularly known as Char Dham here in Namchi, South Sikkim has become a one of the most visited pilgrimage place.

The tiny Himalayan State, Sikkim earned the international attention for this kind of unique place where the devotees can have the darshan or visit of four most holy temples of India, the place being the  great replica of four temples  being in a place, which is easy to visit. According to report, since 19th November to 31st December, 2011 the total number of local, National and international (from countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Norway and Nepal and Bhutan) visitors who visited the Siddesvara  Dham have swollen up to 41,068. 

Total Vehicle which entered this Pilgrimage spot has been: 6,413, Total amount collected: Rs 2, 14,910/- Total Amount Deposited: Rs 1, 67,739/ and Total Expenditure: Rs 47,171/-

The collected amount is solely from the parking charges, selling of Tea and coffee and the service charge from the Cloakroom as visitors keeps their belongings in the cloakroom. 

   The cloakroom charge is not mandatory, as it is charged only when the visitors wishes to keep their paraphernalia in the cloakroom

No entry fee is levied for anyone as we’re in the initial stages of the operation, he informed. Mr. Sharma also added that with the minor works that will be completed within this month and the handing over of the Dham to the Trust will be completed by the end of this month

     The construction of the Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre at Solophok, 5 kilometre away from Namchi Bazar, South Sikkim was inaugurated on 8th November 2011, the construction of which is completed now.In accordance with the concept, vision and the exemplary initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling, the Government is endeavoring to promote “Rural Village, Eco friendly and Religious Tourism.

            The Government has envisioned in establishing a unique Pilgrim Centre with a 108 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva on the Solophok hill. Apart from the ground-scaled Shiva statue, this Pilgrim Centre would also provide replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to offer one platform for Shiva devotees.

            In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva, after loosing Sati in Agnikund, had gone into seclusion and become a hunter in the forests of Sikkim. There is also a mention in Mahabharata that during Arjuna’s exile, he had fought over hunting a wild pig, with Lord Shiva incarnated as Kirateshwar in Indrakeel (Present Sikkim). Therefore, in this hunter incarnation he is locally worshipped by the people of Sikkim as Lord Kirateshwar. A statue of 18 feet height of Lord Kirateshwar has also been proposed as the part of the complex.

In order to attain Moksha, the Hindu belief is to perform pilgrimage to all the existing four Dhams. Thereby, replicas of these four Dhams, namely Badrinath, Jaganath and Dwarka dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Rameshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva are also being constructed.

The pilgrim centre is being constructed on top of the Solophok Hill in South Sikkim which is about 5 kilometers from Namchi town. It has an acquired area of 29.95 Ha of land. The built up complex would cover an area of approximately 25 acres and is accessible by a memorable road.

            The profile of the hill suggested that the main Shiva complex with the main statue be placed at the highest commanding point in the west direction and facing east (almost). This 108 ft high statue of Lord Shiva (in a sitting posture) will be the focus of attraction encircled by the twelve Jyotirlingas. The entire complex is divided into four main elements, namely (1) Shiva Statue with 12 Jyotirlingas, (2) Four Dhams, (3) Sai Baba Temple and (4) Kirateshwar statue.

Besides, it is also proposed to construct, Yatri Niwas, Guest House, Security Block, Shops, Sewerage Treatment Plant, Foot Path, statues of Religious deities, Water Reservoirs, Pavilion Covering,  Fire fighting, Electrical & Plumbing Paraphernalia, Auditorium Furnishing, Art works, Movie Making, Audio Visuals, LCD screen display, Kiosks in the complex &  TVs in yatri Niwas, surround sound effects engulfing the entire complex, construction of Accommodation for approximately 40 persons, service workers & staff. The entire area shall under go landscaping, tree plantation and Gardening complete. As on date the entire cost of the project today stands at Rs.99.56 Crore.

          This pilgrimage centre has been dedicated and designed to place Sikkim in the very conscience, heart and minds of the citizens of India and beyond.  Apart from providing a unique religious and cultural ambience, the Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre established on a grand scale hereafter ought to be a tourist attraction at the National as well as International level.  The existing linkages have been explored and the tourist activities targeted are Pilgrimage, cultural activities, seminars, religious discourses, nature study and passive recreation.  The construction activity itself has benefited the people of the State, and will invariably improve at large the socio economic condition of the people in the state.  It will undoubtedly provide immense income generation avenues and opportunities through economic spin-off on completion. The project conceived by the Government shall prove to be manna from the heavens, where upon it will enhance the economic capacity of the people.

During construction every attempt is being made to protect, preserve and promote the beautiful landscape of this Solophok Hill and all steps will be taken to maintain the serenity and harmony of the proposed site where nature is in its pristine perfection. The construction of the chardham and the statue of Lord Shiva was started on February 13,  2005 and completed   on October 30,2011. The Total sanctioned cost of the centre is Rs 99.56 crores.

Gangtok, : A new attraction for tourists in the area of famous Tsomo or Changu lake is launched as mono Cable Gandola system Rope way already operated  for tourists. The ropeway  runs from 12, 900 feet in height to 14,000 feet. The cable car has the capacity of 12 cabin and it can carry 6 person per cabin and within one hour, it can carry 400 persons for joy ride which will be a thrilling experience for tourists. From the last destination, they will have a glimpse of all the Changu area, Nathula India China border and some part of Kalimpong and Darjeeling. The tourists also can take joyride on the yak on the bank of the natural lake.   

The Rear view of Rumtek Monastery and Institute

The Rumtek is located 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, at an altitude of about 1,500 metres (4,900 ft).Rumtek Monastery is also called the Dharmachakra Centre. It is also famous forNalanda Institute of learning of Buddhism. The controversy regarding the re-installation of real incarnate head of the monastery is going on now after 16th Galwa Karmapa went heavenly above .