Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple

Sikkim, Sikkim West, Gangtok

Located at Legship, Sikkim, Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as Kirateshwar Mahadev Thaan or simply known as Shiv Mandir by the local people. The exact time of the
establishment and the founder's name is unknown.

Legend

According to the legends, before the beginning of the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva to achieve success in the combat against his own cousins. Pleased by the penance of Arjuna, Lord Shiva appeared before him as a Kirat (a hunter) and blessed Arjuna to win the battle. As the event took place at this pious land, the temple of Lord Shiva was established here and the presiding deity is called Kirateswar.

Architecture

This temple edifice is famous for being so spacious that at a time, it can accommodate around 500 pilgrims . The temple of Kirateshwar is built with small bricks that have given a wonderful texture on the architecture.

Darsan Info

During the Bala Chaturdashi, observed on the Maha Shivaratri occasion, pilgrims have to cross a bridge that connects the temple with the other side of the River Rangeet.

Darsan Dresscode

There is no specific dress code for visiting Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple

Famous Festival

Maha Shiva Ratri.

Culture

Sikkim is a confluence of different people, culture, heritage, religion, language, and food. Though, the Nepali language is mostly spoken here, Bhutia, Dzongkha, Groma, Gurung, Kafle, Lepcha, Limbu, Magar, Majhi, Majhwar, Nepal Bhasa, Rai, Sherpa, Sunuwar, Tamang, Thulung, Tibetan, and Yakha are also spoken simultaneously. But whatever language they speak, the people are warm and are always nice with the tourists there whether they are out shopping or asking for any hint to reach any destination. Sikkim's cuisine deserves special mention. There will be hardly anyone that will like to miss the fresh and hot Momo or Thukpa the staple Sikkimese delicacies.
Besides the people of different language, people from different sects live here harmoniously. Sikkim has shrines for Hindus as well as Buddhists, Christians and of other religions. Hanuman Tok, Kirateswar Mahadev, Thakurbari Temple, Rumtek Monastery etc are some of the must-to-see pilgrimages in Sikkim.