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Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Gangtok Overview

Situated on the road passing between Nathu La and Jelepla Pass, at a distance of 64 km at an elevation of 4000 meters, Baba Mandir is the shrine which was built at the Samadhi of Harbhajan Singh. It is the local belief that every person visiting the Nathang Valley and crossing through this enchantingly beautiful terrain has to pay their respects to Baba Harbhajan Singh. Don't think of it as an ordinary temple, for you'll be mistaken! As you climb the stairs to the concrete construction, flanked with bells on both side, you'll be rewarded with the most ineffable samadhi you'd have ever visited.

Legend has it that 35 years ago while leading a pack of mules from his division at Tukla to Deng Dhukla in East Sikkim, Sepoy Harbhajan Singh went missing. After a search was launched, his body was discovered after three days by the army. It is also believed that he was one who led the soldiers to his body. Thereafter, many soldiers in the troop reported that Baba had been coming in their dreams asking them to build a shrine in his memory. A samadhi was thus made in his memory and called the 'Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple'. Many people believe Harbhajan Singh comes to the temple every night and does his rounds after putting on his uniform. People worship him as a saint who guards the lives of soldiers along the border.

Inside the Baba Mandir, you will come across a large photo of Harbhajan Singh which is worshipped by his devotees. Tourists who come here leave their water bottle for a few days and collect it later for it is believed that by drinking that water all the wishes come true. Harbhajan Singh's office has been built on one side of the temple with a dining place, and a room for him to stay at with his uniform and shoes. Though the temple is present on the side of a road, it is surrounded by magnificent mountains thereby giving an amazing view to the tourists. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a must-visit due to the tales associated with the place.

Photos of Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

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Mystery and Legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh has come to be known as "Baba" and is treated as a soldier who never died by the Indian Army. Although he is no more, the soldiers believe his spirit lives on who protects and guards them. Across the border in China, the soldiers have reported seeing a turbaned sentry doing rounds at nights many times. The sentries believe that he visit his samadhi every night as his bedsheet is found crumpled every morning with his polished shoes turning muddy. Spooky, right?!

Every year on 11th September, his personal belongings are sent by a jeep the New Jalpaiguri station, from where it is loaded and sent off in a train to his hometown Kuka, a small village in Kapurthala area of Punjab. Every year, his seat is left empty for the journey and 3 soldiers lead Baba Harbhajan Singh to his home. Even his salary is sent to his home every month to aid his old mother.

Permit Requirements for Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Since Baba Mandir comes under the protected area, you need to go through a registered tour operator in Sikkim and acquire a Protected Area Permit. The permit should be applied for a day before the trip by the tour operator for which you are required to submit a photo Id proof and two passport size photographs.

Best Time to Visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

The perfect time to visit Baba Mandir is from April to June during the summer season. The weather is pleasant during this time, and the combination of warm sunshine with a cool breeze is ideal for sightseeing.

How to Reach Baba Mandir

You can reach the temple by taking a cab. A roundtrip from Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple in a full reserved car like Scorpio will cost around INR 3,800. It takes about 3 hours to reach the temple from Gangtok, so it is better if you start early.