Siddeshwar Dham / Char Dham, Namchi - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 5 km from Namchi Taxi Stand, Siddeshwar Dham is a huge pilgrimage cum cultural complex located atop Solophok hill in Namchi, Sikkim. Popularly called as Char Dham, it is one of the most prominent places to visit in Namchi and one of the popular tourist places in Sikkim.

Siddheswar Dham is built atop Solophok Hill by Sikkim Government in 2011 to promote Religious, Eco and Village tourism in the state. Spread over an area of 29 hectares, the Sikkim Government has been spent over Rs. 56 crore on this complex. The complex has a 108 feet tall statue of Shiva, replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas, models of sacred Char Dham Hindu Temples of Jagannath, Badrinath, Dwaraka and Rameswaram and a 17-feet statue of Kirateshwar a hunter incarnation of Shiva. Solophok Hill has a historical and religious significance, as it is believed that visiting this place washes away one's sins.

The major attraction here is the 108 feet gigantic statue of Lord Shiva (Hindu God) in sitting posture. It sits at the highest and most commanding position on Solophok hill while facing east. There is a huge Nandi Bull sits facing the main Shiva temple. The Shiva linga enshrines inside the temple.There is large number of wall murals depicting the story of Shiva including his marriage in the hall of the temple. The Shiva Temple is surrounded by the 12 Jyotirlingas - or 12 prominent Shiva temples spread across India. Each Shiva linga here is an exact replica of the one that exists in its original place.

The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwaraka, Rameswaram and Badrinath have been replicated in this fantastic complex. Badrinath, Jagannath Dham, Dwaraka are dedicated to Lord Vishnu while Rameshwar Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per the Hindu beliefs, everyone must visit these 4 temples in their lifetime. Another important attraction of the complex is the 17 feet tall statue of Kirateshwar who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva, after losing Sati in Agnikund, had gone into seclusion and became a hunter in the forests of Sikkim.

There is a huge car parking area where visitors can park their vehicles. It is a paid car parking. From there one needs to walk 300 m to reach the temple complex. For persons with mobility challenges, the staff can organize battery operated cart and even separate entrance to offer prayers to the deity.

Timings: 8 AM - 7 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 50 per person