Solophok Chardham

The Solophok Chardham is one of the most famous temples in Sikkim built by the state government to increase religious tourism in India. It is considered to be a major pilgrimage destination situated on the top hill of Solophok in the Southern region of Sikkim. The temple complex has a glorious incarnation of Lord Shiva along with the idol of Lord KIrateshwar. The temple was structured with the sole motive to place Sikkim in the conscious minds and hearts of Indians worldwide.

Solophok Chardham in Sikkim is distributed mainly in 4 parts -

i) Statue of Lord Shiva with 12 Jyotirlingas,

ii) Chardham,

iii) Sai Baba Temple,

iv) Kirateshwar statue

There are a few other sacred sites too, such as Nandi bull temple, Sai Dwar, Shiv Dwar, and Kirat Dwar.

History

According to mythology, Lord Shiva was born in the form of Kirateshwar in a place called Indrakeel, which today is known as Sikkim. Due to the same reasons, he is worshiped by the local people as Lord Kirateshwar. The temple complex also has a statue of Lord Kirateshwar, which is 16.5 feet high.