The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is popularly known as Baba Mandir. The Baba Mandir, Sikkim is located at an altitude of 12,123 ft above sea level. This is around 52 Km from Gangtok and is between Jelepla and Nathula pass. Baba Mandir is usually part of the itinerary when visiting Nathula Pass and Tsongmo Lake.
New Baba Mandir
The History behind Baba Mandir
The story behind the temple is sentimental for many. Harbhajan Singh was part of the Punjab Regiment as Sentry. He was posted at the China border as part of the border patrol force. It is said that in October 1968 he disappeared without a trace. People have contemplated and many stories have been doing the rounds. The most popular among them is that he drowned. Harbhajan Singh used to escort mules that carry provisions. He could have fallen in a stream and drowned. A fellow sentry personnel had a dream about him after a few days and asked him to construct a memorial in his name
The sentries build a tombstone and a few years later a temple was built on it. It is believed that Harbhajan Singh’s spirit is still alive. They pray and wish that Harbhajan Singh will protect them when they traverse the difficult terrain.
The Early Sightings
You will be surprised to know that there have been rumours that the Chinese soldiers have sighted a turbaned sentry walking around the borders, guarding the area on multiple occasions. The soldiers in the camp, till the day, believe that Harbajan Singh visits the camp every night to be part of the patrolling force. There were even instances where his polished shoes become dirty and his neat camp bedsheet is crumpled by morning.
Some might feel that the blind belief that his spirit is still alive is slightly weird. You will be even more surprised to know that after his death Harbajan Singh has been promoted to the rank of Honorary Captain. His family still receives a monthly salary.
The Temple Structure
Over many years the memorial has slowly turned into a pilgrimage place. People worship the large photo of Harbajan Singh inside the temple. You will see many people leaving a bottle of drinking water that will be collected at a later time. They believe that drinking this water will bring them good luck. The army trucks passing the temple stops and pays their homage.
Old Baba Mandir
The Office
Harbajan Singh has a dedicated office in the grounds where he is believed to carry out his day-to-day activities. In it, there is a dining place, a bed, his shoes and uniform.
The Locality of Baba Mandir
New Baba Mandir
Baba Mandir is a holy shrine situated at the distance of 50 km from Gangtok towards Nathula Border between China and India. It was constructed to show reverence to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of an Indian army, who was drowned in a glacier while trying to lead a x_column of mules carrying supplies to a remote outpost. The search operation was launched and every effort was made to find his missing body but it was nowhere to be found. According to the legend, it was Baba himself through a dream, helped the searching party to find his body covered under a huge lump of snow and even expressed the strong desire to have a samadhi made after him.
It is further believed that during the event of a war between India and China, Baba would warn the Indian soldiers of any impending attack atleast three days in advance. It is said that he did continue to serve the nation even after his death. This folklore has been very popular not only among the Indian soldiers but also to the Chinese side as well. In fact during flag meetings between the two nations at Nathu La, the Chinese would set a chair aside in honour of Harbhajan Singh who has since come to be known as “Saint Baba”.
Shrine has been reconstructed now and has new building near the older Structure so Devotee and tourist can visit the shrine easily .
The Old samadhi was built near Chhokya Chho at an elevation of around 4,000 metres, which is known as Old Baba Mandir. This samadhi is less visited by tourists. Visitors need to climb 50 stairs to reach the bunker. This was the place where Baba was posted during his service period in Indian army.
The personal room of Baba is on the right side which harbours different essential articles for day to day use and a clean properly arranged bed. Even the tidy uniform and well-polished shoes are kept, according to the legend the boots became muddy by evening and the bed sheets were crumbled in the morning.
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Mount Katao, 15000 ft, North Sikkim, Tourism Sikkim
Mount Katao is quite impressive place to visit and set your spirit free from hustle bustle of urban area and make you enter into the natural beauty of the waterfall and the pleasant weather. The overwhelming view of snowy area where you can lay down to enjoy touch and feel of the white snow. Snow at the Mount Katao with the greenery eludes the picturesque view and the moment to click is something you cannot spare yourself from for the real backdrop. Mount Katao is considered an offbeat destination in The North Sikkim.
“it is also called as mini switzerland of sikkim”
Mount Katao
Mount Katao is a well known place amongst the tourists for adventurous activities like snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing and stone grinding. In order to visit this mountain one should get an army permit. A tour can be arranged from Lachung at a nominal price. Mount Katao is almost 28 kilometers from Lachung. It offers a beautiful scenic view and is a treasure for nature photography lovers.
On the Way to Mount Katao
One of the famous attractions of Lachung, Mt. Katao is snow-covered all round the year. En-route to the place you will several flowers in all colors providing a picture-postcard scene. At the peak, you can witness a glacier and waterfall which adds charm to the place.
Zero-point is another attraction of this place as it provides a spectacular view of the nearby area. The magnificent peaks attract trekkers and thrill-seekers from across the country to this place as it is an ideal spot for trekking. The forests nearby are lined with alpine and rhododendron trees, with primulas and poppies growing on the roadside. Though an offbeat tourist place, its beauty is unparalleled and has started attracting several tourists thanks to the gorgeous view of the mountain region.
Mount Katao is situated in the Northern Part of Sikkim which is 144 km away from the capital city Gangtok. Mount katao height 15000 ft. Onlookers love to explore the beauty of Mount Katao. Entering into this area required the permission from Military. There are numerous adventurous activities that will keep your holiday worthwhile spent with snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing and many more.
The waterfall sound gives good vibes and keeps the surrounding full of sound. This is nice place to visit who likes mountains and flowery place and few more spellbound views that makes your heart smile.
You can see picturesque sight of the snow-clad peaks and mid way to this place you will also come across a stunning waterfall. The valley is also covered with attractive flora such as poppy, primula and rhododendron. Also, the base ground of the mount is equipped with many adventure sport activities.
” mount katao is Most Picsquare place of sikkim, you will fall in love with this place”
Mount Katao During Summer
The best time to visit Mount Katao is from March to June. However, in order to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, winter months of December to February are ideal to visit.
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