Solophok Chardham

In accordance with the concept, vision and the exemplary initiative of our Honourable Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling, the Government is endeavoring to promote “Rural Village, Eco friendly and Religious Tourism.” The unparalleled beauty of the State and very friendly and hospitable people are our competitive and comparative advantage. The construction of the Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre at Solophok aims at promoting Religious Tourism, coupled with Village and Eco tourism.

This unique Pilgrim Centre has a main temple of 108 feet height on which is based the 87 feet high statue of Lord Shiva on the sitting posture at the Solophok Hill. Apart from Shiva statue, this Pilgrim Centre also has replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to offer one platform for Shiva devotees.

Lord Shiva incarnated as Kirateshwar in Indrakeel (Present Sikkim). Therefore, in this incarnation he is locally worshipped by the people of Sikkim as Lord Kirateshwar. A statue of 16 1/2 feet height of Lord Kirateshwar is also installed in the complex.

In order to attain Moksha, the Hindu belief is to perform pilgrimage to all the existing four Dhams. Thereby, replicas of these four Dhams, namely Badrinath, Jaganath and Dwarka dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Rameshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva is also constructed.

The pilgrim centre is constructed on top of the Solophok Hill in South Sikkim which is about 5 kilometers from Namchi town over an area of 28.958 Ha of land. The built up complex covers an area of approximately 7 acres and is accessible by a smooth road.

The profile of the hill suggested that the main Shiva complex with the main statue be placed at the highest commanding point in the west direction and facing east. The entire complex is divided into four main elements, namely (1) Shiva Statue with 12 Jyotirlingas, (2) Four Dhams, (3) Sai Baba Temple and (4) Kirateshwar statue besides Nandi bull, Sai dwar, Sai Temple, Kirat dwar, Kirateshwar Statue, Shiv Dwar,Other facilities include: Main entrance gate, Car parking, Drivers room, kiosks, 96 bedded Yatri Niwas, VIP Guest house, security building- cum- auditorium and cafeteria, main prayer hall, viewing pavilion, viewing chattri, dormitory, water bodies and musical fountain.

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.

The pran-pratisthan ceremony was graced by his holiness Shri Jagadguru Shankarcharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati Maharaj on 8th Nov 2011 in the prescence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of the State Shri Pawan Chamlin.