Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is a very famous temple of Gangtok which is named after Lord Hanuman and is maintained by the Indian Army. Situated at a height of 7,200 feet the regal temple is just posed against the Kanchenjunga peak which is the third highest peak in the world. The eclectic beauty of Hanuman Tok makes you enjoy it thoroughly keeping you close to nature.
The sight of the enormous hills around the capital city of Gangtok is captivating, and after you reach the top, the snow-dusted peaks of Kanchenjunga and the spectacular range of the Himalayas leave you awed. You can visit Hanuman Tok before 5:00 AM to view the sunrise, the beauty of which is beyond description. The glorious sight of the place is sure to leave you speechless. The serenity of Hanuman Tok makes it a perfect spot for you to relax, meditate, and get all charged up.
History
Legend has it that Hanuman Tok was the place where Lord Hanuman stopped to rest while carrying Sanjeevni to Lanka from the Himalayas. A long time back, people used to worship a stone that was present here, in the open, until Appaji Pant (who was an officer) built a statue of Lord Hanuman in the 1950s after he had a dream about this sacred place. It is believed that all wishes get fulfilled at Hanuman Tok which attracts lots of locals as well as tourist pilgrims from all over the country. In 1968, this area was given to the Indian army, and since then it is maintained as well as preserved by the army.
Architecture
The strategic location of Hanuman Tok offers a complete 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys and hills. The temple can be reached by climbing some stairs, and pavement with bells hung along the walkways. Speakers are installed in some places on which bhajans and chants are played on repeat mode. The temple is a round-shaped structure with a long hall that is painted yellow and red along with several pictures showcasing the life of Lord Hanuman. There is one more room with small statues of Hindu gods and goddesses.
The Hanuman Tok viewpoint, which is round in shape, is furnished well with a wooden ceiling and tiles with some chairs kept aside for the visitors to relax. The shrine of Shirdi Baba is also present here. The cremation grounds of the royal family of Sikkim, known as Lukshyama, are also present near Hanuman Tok. It is this cremation ground where the mortal remains of the family members of the Namgyal dynasty were brought to flame.
