Religious Spots in Siliguri
Siliguri is not only a reputed travel destination, especially as a transit point to the nearby hill stations of north-east India, but also renowned for its varied cultural and religious diversity. Constant migration and conglomeration of people from different communities has shaped the religious discourse of this land and different places of worship with their individual architectural styles have been constructed. Some of the prominent religious communities in Siliguri include Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists (Tibetans), and their sites of worship have also become dominant tourist attractions.The Salugara Monastery, Sevoke Kali Mandir, ISKCON temple, Kalchakra monastery are among the major religious spots in Siliguri frequented by travellers for both devotional and aesthetic reasons. Find more about these religious spots in Siliguri from the description given below:
Sed-Gyued Monastery in Salugara, Siliguri
Buddhist Monastery at Salugara, Siliguri
This Tibetan monastery is situated in the north-east of Siliguri about 8 km from the city centre. It was constructed by His Holiness Dalai Lama and inaugurated in 2001. Thus this monastery follows the Buddhist Tibetan Order. There is also a research center for Buddhist studies here. Its activities are run by the Droden Kunchab Chodey Buddhist Association. Every year, Buddhist monks here organize a candle rally during the birthday of His Highness Dalai Lama in his honour. The Salugara Monastery is also a favourite tourist spot in Siliguri for its 100 feet stupa which was constructed by Kalu Rinpoche, the famous Tibetan Lama, scholar, teacher and meditation master. In addition, there are five sacred relics or Buddhist remains which are worshipped by Buddhists all over the world.
ISKCON Temple in Siliguri
ISKCON Temple in Siliguri
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Siliguri is reputed to be the largest Krishna centre in the north-east India. Situated on Gita Para Road, the ISKCON temple is placed at an altitude of 400 feet above mean sea level. The ISKCON temple is believed to be the site of the Baikunthapur forest where Lord Krishna went with into hiding with Rukmini, his wife. Hence the temple has a major place in religious tourism.
Apart from the Radha-Madhav idol in the temple complex, there is another Radha idol in the modern styled architectural temple complex which has glossy walls and white marble flooring constructed according to Vaastu Shastra. Besides the temple also have the idols of Lord Narasimha Advaita Acharya and Lord Chaitanya. The ISKCON temple has thus developed to be a prime religious attraction thronged by numerous devotees every year. The ISKCON temple walls are elegantly adorned with beautiful paintings which have themes of Ram-Sita, Radha-Krishna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Hanuman. Besides there is a 600 seater auditorium for hosting regular Krishna Consciousness conferences.
Sevoke Kali Mandir
Sevokeshwar Kali Mandir in Siliguri
Kalchakra Monastery
This monastery is situated about 7 km from Siliguri and was inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama while visiting Salugara for the Kalchakra ceremonies in the year 1996.