Mysteries & Facts - Sacred places in Sikkim

BABA MANDIR, NATHULA PASS 

Major "Baba" Harbhajan Singh (August 3, 1941 – September 11, 1967) was an Indian army soldier who died near the Nathula Pass in eastern Sikkim, India. He is revered by soldiers of the Indian army as the "Hero of Nathula" and the army men have also built a shrine in his honour. He has been accorded the status of saint by believers who refer to him as the Baba (saintly father). Many faithful people, chiefly the army men posted in those parts have believe his spirit protects every soldier in the inhospitable terrain of Himalayan mountain pass. As with most saints, the Baba is said to also grant favours presumably to those who revere and worship him.Baba Harbhajan Singh born into a Sikh family on August 3, 1941 in the village of Batthe Bhaini in Punjab (India). He completed his preliminary schooling at village school, and then did his matriculation from DAV High School in Patti in March 1955. In June 1956 he enrolled himself as a soldier in Amritsarand joined the Corps of Signals. On June 30, 1965 was granted a commission and posted to the 14 Rajput regiment. During the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war he served as an Adjutant of his unit. Later he was transferred to 18 Rajput. It was with this regiment that he met his end on September 11, 1967 in Sikkim.

According to legend, Harbhajan Singh drowned in a glacier while trying to lead a column of mules carrying supplies to a remote outpost. As the first casualty of the 23rd Punjab Regiment in that war, a manhunt was launched to find him. His remains were found after three days and he was cremated with full military honours. The legend further claims that it was Harbhajan Singh who himself helped the search party to find his body. Still later, through a dream, he instructed one of his colleagues to build and maintain a shrine in his memory.Legend also has it that in the event of a war between India and China, Baba would warn the Indian soldiers at least the three days in advance of any impending attack. During flag meetings between the two nations at Nathula, the Chinese set a chair aside to honour of Harbhajan Singh who has since been saint. Every year on September 11, a jeep departs with his personal belongings to the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, from where it is then sent by train to the village of Kuka, in Kapurthala district in Punjab. While empty berths on any train of the Indian Railways are invariably allocated to any passenger without a confirmed reservation (Reservation against cancellation, RAC, or wait listed) or first come first served basis by the coach attendants, a special reservation for the Baba is actually made for him and left empty for the entire journey to his home town every year with other soldiers travelling along so as to reach him till his home. A small sum of money is also contributed by soldiers posted in Nathula and sent to his mother each month.

 GURUDONGMAR LAKE, NORTH SIKKIM 

Gurudongmar Lake or Gurudogmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 17,100 ft (5,210 m). It lies in the district of North Sikkim in the state of Sikkim in India, only some 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Chinese border. The lake can be reached by road from Lachen via Thangu.
Here is the legend behind the lake according to Sikh history. Guru Nanak journeyed through the area on his way back from Tibet during his third Udasi (journey) in 1516. He provided solace to Buddhists of the Karmapa Nyingmapa sect who had settled down there after being hounded out of Tibet by the Gelugpa sect. During the visit, yak grazers sought Guru Nanak also known as (NANAK LAMA) help over the scarcity of fresh water in the region, because the lake remained frozen throughout the year.Guru Nanak hit the frozen lake waters with his stick and the ice melted away in that part of the lake making its pristine water accessible. The blessed part of the lake hasn’t frozen since.Guru Nanak also advised the yak grazers to drink the lake water to increase libido drained by the lack of oxygen at that height. “Whosoever takes the water of this lake will gain virility and strength and will be blessed with children.” Nineteenth century British maps record the lake’s name as Gurudongmaar, corroborating the legend. Lamas of Karmapa Nyingmapa Sect regularly visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar even today. The monastery at Lachen, commemorates the Guru visit with his footprints, his robe and a water-carrying utensil (kamandal).

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Summit EMBASSY Siliguri - Brand New Addition to Summit Group Of Hotels & Resorts

Embassy in Siliguri is one of the premier economy hotels in the city. We at Embassy boast of having the best rooms and service in the city. The hotel is located right in the heart of the city which makes it the preferred choice. We cater to the needs of both the leisure as well as the business travelers and have proved to be one of the most popular hotels to stay in. The property is conveniently located in the heart of the city and is a great respite to travelers who take up Siliguri as a base to tour the other beautiful regions around. The famous Hong - Kong market is just a stones throw away from the hotel. Major shopping and trading zones are a minutes walk for the hotel.

                

Silguri is the main commercial city of North Bengal and its importance comes from its strategic location near international and state borders. The city connects three international borders - Bangladesh, China, and Nepal It is situated on the banks of the river Mahananda. Spread around the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, the town is an important transportation, trading and educational center and is blessed with the beauty of nature. Siliguri is a convenient base for travel to the various Himalayan hill stations like Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok. Saw milling and jute milling are important industries here and tea plantations are of main importance. Some places in Siliguri worth visiting include the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary known to be the home to varied flora, fauna, the famed Royal Bengal Tiger and Elephants. The tea gardens here are a major tourist attraction too. Monasteries like Salugara Monastery and Kalchakra Monastery are famous in the region too. Another famous religious site here is the ISCKON temple. It houses many beautiful idols of Advaita Acharya, Lord Narasimha, Lord Chaitanya and many more. 

               
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Monsoons are here.. Let's Celebrate it!!!

Things To Do This Monsoon Season

With the dark clouds almost bursting at their seams, we know the monsoons have finally arrived and we cannot be more relieved.

• This monsoon season make sure you make one attempt to splash around in the rain. If you have dogs, take them along. It’s probably the most fun you’ll have for a while. Getting drenched in the monsoon showers, splashing water and jumping into puddles takes you back to your childhood days. But if you really aren't up to getting soaked, simply open up your windows and enjoy the smell of the first rain.
• Even though this weather may make you want to give up any sort of work or study, it’s important not to overdo exposing yourself to the rain. Stay healthy, avoid roadside food or anything water based. Remember you want to enjoy this season not spend it in the agony of pneumonia.
• For those of you living by the sea or a short drive away, take a break from the hustle and bustle of your routine, leave your mobile phone at home and go for long walk by the sea.  
• The summer’s gone and so have all  the fruity iced drinks and nimbu paanis you’re so bored of. Nothing complements the monsoon more than a hot drink. So this is your chance to tank up on all the hot chocolate and coffee you like. The upside to it? It lowers your chances of catching a dreadful cold.
• The monsoons are the best season to go and visit various national parks. Discover various flora and fauna. And for the adventure-lovers, there's nothing like a long trek. So pack your bags and go.
• If you cannot let them go outside to play, indulge in some good old indoor games like Scrabble and Cards or just Curl up with a romantic book or watch a romantic movie while lolling in bed. You can also enjoy the view from the window while listening to romantic songs.
• Be stylish, vanity is a bad idea during the monsoons but you cannot be a bore and carry around a dull umbrella. Wear colourful raincoats and add colour to the otherwise cloudy day.
• The downside of this season is that it often hinders you from socializing and going out. Take it positively and sit down to do something creative. Sit near your bedroom window and just watch the pitter-patter. If it doesn’t inspire you to sing, write or even paint, you’ll always remember it as time well-spent.                         
  

 

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