Some of the Religious Places of Sikkim

There is a close proximity between custom and religion in Sikkim. They are almost synonym and are equally revered by the people. Almost all customs, fasts and religious festivals are associated with different Gods and Goddess. It would be pertinent here to mention some of the important religious places of Sikkim.

The Buddhist monasteries of Pemayanchi, Tashiding, Khachipari, Yoksum, Tholung, Ralong and Dubdi of western and southern districts and the Kiratishwar Mahadeo of Lekshep, the temples of Durga at Dentam, Shiva Dham of Gayging, Shri Krishna Mandir of Sorang, Shiva mandir of Martam Burmek and the Shivalaya of Jorthang, Devisthan of Namchi, Manshadevi, Gyandildas Dham and Ravi Dham of Tarku are renowned and prestigious religious places of Sikkim.

Similarly, Lachen-Lachung, Chungthang Ghomba, Magan-Shivalaya, Chungthang are the Dcolayas of Northern Sikkim. In eastern sikkim the main gumpas are Enchay, Mintogang, chorten, Lewing, Rumtek, Phodong of Phensong and the main Dcoalaya of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, are Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Aaho¬Shivalaya, Taraythang-Shivalaya, Radha-Krishna Mandir of Rinok, Samdong of Singtam and Ramphoo Mandir are ancient and historical Deoalayas.

Besides gumpas and deoalayas Sikkim has many natural lakes called pokharis, caves and hot springs. among the important pokharis are Dudh pokhari, Changu Pokhari, Kechiberi Pokhari and. Cholamu Pokhari. Sarchokbay, Khadrosang, Deechen, Lariding are some of the renowned gufas (caves) and Khadrosang, Yumthang, Rolang and Borangma are important places of hot spring. Yokshum, Rapdeuchi, Tendong, Menom and Kabi are historical places where historical events like, chronologically speaking, the reign of the first Sikkimese king Phuntsho Namgyl, his capital, safeguard of Lepcha tribe and the trace between Lepcha leader Thikungtek _ Thekungel and the Tibetan leader Khebumsha had taken place.

Gangtok is the capital of the state and also the head quarter of Eastern district. Mangan is the head quarter of Northern district. Galshing, the head quarter of western district and Namchi for the southern district. The main rivers are the Teesta, Rangeet, Kanka and Ramphoo. Nathula, Jalepla, Cholla, Shangrila and Dongreela are famous passes not only of Sikkim but also of India and the world.

With abundant natural forests and resources many kinds of wild animals, butterflies, birds etc. are found here. There are many big and small rivers which are the perennial sources of clean and pure water in the state. A wide range of high mountains which includes world famous Mount Kanchan junga and the natural see nary all over make Sikkim a paradise for tourists and visitors.