Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple - A Shiva temple in Sikkim 2024

Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is located at Gyalshing district’s Legship of Sikkim in India on the bank of the wonderful hilly river Rangeet. This temple is mentioned in several episodes of Mahabharata.

Locals or Kirati people also called it Kirateshwar Mahadev Thaan, and simply known as Mahadev Temple. This is a significant temple and its popularity speeds all over India and neighboring country Nepal. Locals are very respectful to this temple. Most of the marriages of this region happen in this temple.

Attraction

Main attraction of Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is the festival of Bala Chaturdashi that is observed every year in November – December.

Shiv Ratri which is also known as Maha Shiv Ratri is celebrated in this temple every year with great enthusiasm on a day of February or March.

Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is remarkable for its historical significance and unmatched natural Beauty. It is a picturesque temple. Its surroundings catch everyone’s eye and mind as well. The Beauty of the Rangeet river and hilly waterfall is undoubtedly memorable. It is a perfect place for spending your holiday with family.

History

According to Hindu epic book Mahabharata, Arjuna, one of Pancha Pandab, made a hard penance to Lord Shiva before the Kurukshetra war in this temple. Shiva became pleased with Anjuna’s devotion. He appeared before Arjuna in his Kiriti form and asked him for his wish. Then Arjuna wished for a weapon that no one could defeat on the Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva fulfilled his wish.

It is also believed that, if someone visits this temple and wishes particularly for a son or daughter, his/her wish will be fruitful. Also Lord Shiva fulfills one’s wish for good health and peaceful harmonious life by visiting Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple.

Inside/Outside Views

Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is an adorned temple both from its inside and outside.

As soon as you enter the temple, you can see pretty idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati and Arjuna on the wall. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, Mahadev is established. There is an excellent Shivalinga in the temple on which faces curved on the three sides and numerous other Shivalinga surrounding it.

The scene of Shri Krishna’s killing Kaliya Naag is created in the temple premises. A huge idol of Hanumanji is seen from quite a distance also.

A beautiful bridge built over the Rangeet river will be seen after passing through the stairs of a part of the temple. Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a colorful hilly temple. Its scenic beauty is spellbound.

Opening Hours

Sunday 5.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Monday 5.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Tuesday 5.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Wednesday 5.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Thursday 5.00 AM – 6.00 PM

(Sikkim day) Hours might differ

Friday 5.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Saturday 5.00 AM – 6.00 PM

How to Reach

By Air: Bagdogra airport of Siliguri, West Bengal is the nearest airport to reach Legship. This airport is connected with all the main cities of India by regular flights. It is around 118 kilometers from Legship. It will take 4 hours to reach Legship from the airport. By reaching the airport you can hire a private taxi to reach Legship.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station of Siliguri, West Bengal is the nearest railway station to reach Legship. It is around 112 kilometers from Legship.

By Road: Legship is easily accessible by road from all the main cities of the country. It is around 15 kilometers from Geyzing. Geyzing is well connected with Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok. You can easily go by private taxi and shared taxi. Buses are also available from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling Tashiding, Yuksom and others.

Gangtok is around 107 kilometers from Legship. It is the most convenient way to reach Legship first; it comes to Gangtok and then drives down to Legship.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, this place is completely safe to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed inside Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple?

Ans: Yes, Photography and videography are both allowed inside the temple.

Que-03: What is the best time to visit this temple?

Ans: You can make a visit any time according to your convenience but we recommend you to make a visit on Shiv Ratri or Bala Chaturdashi as an enthusiastic occasion held there.

Que-04: Why is Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple famous?

Ans: Shri Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is famous for its historical value that it mentioned in Hindu epic book Mahabharata and also for its scenic beauty.