Sikkim towards developing religious tourism.
Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Rhenock: The tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim is molding itself into the dwelling place of deities. Well reputed for its natural splendor, rich biodiversity, and flourishing eco-tourism, the state is all set to become the religious tourism destination in the northeast. With more than 200 Buddhist monasteries and sacred shrines established across the region, the state is gaining special attention from mystics across the country. Moreover, these temples contribute to its spiritual allure.
Emphasizing on spiritual tourism, the authorities are building replicas of some of India’s most renowned religious structures. One such instance is Siddhi Vinayak Temple at Rhenock. Also known as Vishwa Vinayak Mandir or Ganesh Mandir, the temple adds to the list of significant spiritual tourism destinations in Sikkim. Additionally, it attracts pilgrims from various places.
Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Rhenock is established amid the beautiful landscape of Rundung Village in Rhenock, East Sikkim. The Temple simply does not stand as a tourism landmark but also a pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees. Inspired by the famous Siddhivinayak temple of Mumbai, Vishwa Vinayak Mandir or, Siddhi Vinayak Temple of Rhenock is the replica of the same. The Temple is a grand four-storied, 108 feet tall structure erected over an area of 2.65 acres.
It took 8 years to complete the temple.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling conceptualized the temple dedicated to Ganesha. He is deemed to have set the base stone of the Temple on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. The construction started on 20 April 2008. Dinesh Chandra, Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s general secretary, inaugurated the Temple on October 3, 2016, eight years later, in Hindu devotees’ presence.
First of its kind in North India.
The mandir has been built on the area where previously the Radha Krishna Mandir stood. Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Rhenock, houses the first-of-its-kind Ganesha idol in North India, featuring 51 different forms of Ganesha.
Traditionally, artists depict Ganesha with 4 pairs of hands. The 12 feet tall Ganesha idol at the main altar showcases a unique feature with 8 pairs of hands. Moving towards the main entrance, you encounter 16 statues, each 12 feet tall, placed along the corridor.
The Occasion of Samudra Manthan is beautifully depicted .
The Temple’s appeal includes an imposing Samudra Manthan figure, depicting a well-known incident in Hindu mythology. It also features a Hanuman Temple, Shivling, and more from Hindu scriptures.
The wall surface of the temple dazzles with Hato paintings. The constructors affirm that they shipped the majority of the building materials for the temple from Thailand. They brought in skillful artisans from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, and Nepal for both the construction and painting of the temple.
Architects constructed Siddhi Vinayak Temple of Rhenock for pilgrimage tourism and locals’ regular Hindu ceremonies. Founded as a Ved Pathshala, it serves as a pilgrimage hub and Vedic learning center.
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Also Read: Pranami Mandir Bermiok, Sikkim
