Char Dham or Siddheshwar Dham is a famous tourist attraction in Sikkim. It is a replica of all the 12 Jyotirlingas and Char Dhams in India. You’ll find here a 33 m massive Shiva statue raised on the Solophok hilltop. It’s a huge pilgrimage complex with Hindu temples all around
Solophok Hill has a historical and religious significance, as it is believed that visiting this place washes away one’s sins. According to legends, during the Kurukshetra war between the Kauravas and Pandavas; Arjuna used to worship Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva, pleased with Arjuna, appeared in the form of a hunter and his blessing is said to have helped the Pandavas win the war against the Kauravas.
This pilgrimage centre has been dedicated and designed to place Sikkim in the very conscience, heart and minds of the citizens of India and beyond. Apart from providing a unique religious and cultural ambience, the Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre established on a grand scale hereafter ought to be a tourist attraction at the National as well as International level. The existing linkages have been explored and the tourist activities targeted are Pilgrimage, cultural activities, seminars, religious discourses, nature study and passive recreation.
Open Hours & Programs
Char Dham is administered by Char Dham Trust.
The complex (darshan) is open 12 hours a day. The morning hymns on loudspeakers start at 9am.
Pooja, ceremonies and religious programs take place time to time. The timings are notified by the trust.
Fees
Entry fee: Rs. 50/- per adult. Parking fee: Rs. 30/- per car.
You can carry camera and camcorders. However no photography is allowed inside any dham or temple.
How to reach
Char Dham complex is only about 5kms from Namchi town and accessible by road. From NJP or Bagdogra it takes about 3.5 hours to reach Namchi. From Darjeeling it takes around 2 hours 45 minutes to reach Char Dham.
Facilities available
- Food available for purchase
- Bathroom facilities
- Camera/Video allowed
- Wearing of shoes/footwear allowed
- Lockers/Storage
