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Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Gangtok Address: Gangtok, Sikkim, 737103, India
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a shrine dedicated to the bravery and selflessness of an Indian Army soldier - Harbhajan Singh, who lost his life at a tender age of 26 years (in 1968) serving the country. Also called as the ‘Hero of Nathula’, Harbhajan Singh has been posthumously awarded the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra for his martyrdom and bravery.
Located at an altitude of 13,123 feet above sea level, this memorial temple lies between the Jelep La Pass and Nathula Pass. This temple is among the two shrines that have been built in memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh.
The new one has been constructed close to Menmecho Lake while the old one is constructed at the exact same spot, where Baba Harbhajan lived in a bunker, during his service with the Indian Army in Sikkim.
A popular belief among locals and tourists is that water kept at the shrine of Baba Harbhajan turns into hold water and gains healing property and drinking that water within 21 days cures various ailments. There is another belief that slippers kept in this temple, when worn can cure gout, foot and other related issues.
History of Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple in Gangtok
Harbhajan Singh joined as a Sepoy in the Punjab Regiment in 1965. This regiment was posted at the China border as Border Patrol Force. It was in October 1968 when suddenly Harbhajan Singh disappeared. Search parties looked for his whereabouts but to no avail.
A few days later, one personnel from his regiment had a dream about Harbhajan Singh about how he drowned after falling into a nullah while escorting the mules that carry provisions. Based on the dream, at the exact location his body was recovered and in his remembrance, a memorial was built at the same spot. Later, a temple was built there. Today, hundreds of devotees visit this memorial place.
There is a strong belief that Baba Harbhajan Singh still guards the border between India and China. Even the Chinese army has confirmed that a human figure riding on a horse can be seen patrolling the border at night. It is also said that he comes in the dreams of fellow army men and foretells them regarding future dangers.
Architecture of Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
The Baba Harbhajan Singh temple has three rooms, with the central room featuring a large portrait of Baba. The second room is his personal room, where his clothes, shoes, slippers and a sleeping camp bed have been kept. There is another small room in the complex, which is used as an office-cum-storeroom, where all offerings made to him are stored.
Things to do in Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Gangtok
Besides offering their prayers at the memorial temple, tourists can enjoy the scenic vistas of the beautiful mountains all around. They can also relax at the small café, located near the temple. There is also a souvenir shop nearby.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Gangtok Timings and Entry fee
There is no entry fee to visit the temple. It is open from 6 am to 8 pm and the best time to visit this memorial is from April to November, when the weather in this region remains pleasant. During winters, this area is not accessible as the Nathula Pass is blocked by snowfall.
How to reach Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Gangtok
The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, located on the Nathula Pass, lies at a distance of approximately 60 km from Gangtok. After visiting the top tourist places in Gangtok, tourists can hire a private taxi from top car rental companies in Gangtok or use a shared vehicle to reach this place. Local Jeep service is also available from Gangtok to the temple.
Gangtok can be reached easily from across India by air, rail and road.
By Air: Tourists need to book their tickets to the Bagdogra International Airport in West Bengal as it is the nearest major airport near Gangtok. It lies at a distance of 123 km. From this airport, tourists can avail private taxi service or choose to catch a bus to reach Gangtok . Alternatively, they can avail the helicopter ride service from the airport to reach here.
By Rail: The major railhead near Gangtok is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal, about 118 km away. Regular taxi and bus rides are available from this railway station. Bus rides to Gangtok take about 4 hours while taxi rides take about 2 hours.
By Road: Regular bus service to Gangtok is available from nearby major cities including Kolkata, Siliguri, Bagdogra and Darjeeling.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Gangtok
- Protected Area Permit should be obtained to visit this part of Sikkim.
- Photography is allowed at the temple.
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