Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, also known as the Baba Mandir, is a sacred shrine located in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is dedicated to the memory of Late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier who is revered as a saintly figure by the locals.

The story behind the temple is quite intriguing. Sepoy Harbhajan Singh served in the Indian Army and was posted in the Nathu La region near the India-China border. In 1968, he met with an unfortunate accident and lost his life near the Baba Mandir area. His body was later found after a rigorous search operation.

According to popular folklore and the belief of the soldiers stationed in the region, Harbhajan Singh started appearing in the dreams of his colleagues and shared information about the location of his body and requested a shrine to be built in his memory. Surprisingly, many of his dreams turned out to be true, and the shrine was built to honor his spirit.

The temple stands at an altitude of around 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) and is maintained by the Indian Army. It is a small structure with a portrait of Harbhajan Singh and various personal belongings associated with him, including his uniform, cap, and boots. The soldiers believe that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh protects them and the entire region from harm.

The temple has become a popular pilgrimage site, attracting both devotees and tourists from different parts of the country. Visitors often offer prayers and seek the blessings of Baba Harbhajan Singh for their well-being and protection. It is believed that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh continues to safeguard the Indian Army personnel posted in the area and grants their wishes.

Visiting the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple provides an opportunity to witness the devotion and faith of the people towards this soldier-turned-saint. It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain ranges, making it a spiritually and visually enriching experience.