The beautiful city of Darjeeling is also known for its cultural diversity. People of almost all religions live here, amidst peace and harmony. Hinduism is the most popularly followed religion, followed by Buddhism. The hill resort is full of several Buddhist monasteries and Hindu shrines. Dhirdham Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Darjeeling. Located besides the Darjeeling railway station, the temple has Lord Shiva as its presiding deity. Built along the lines of the world famous Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu Nepal with its distinct three storied architectural style this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the oldest temples of Darjeeling. It is a colourful temple complex which was constructed by a very important person of Nepal, Purna Bahadur Shah in the year 1939. The Pashupathinath temple, which is the source of inspiration of this temple, is probably one of the most sacred temples of the Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva and every yeas sees the arrival of thousands of Hindus from all parts of the word.

Religious Significance

This temple holds a lot of religious significance for the locals of Darjeeling and all the Hindus in general. It is visited by almost all the locals on a normal day to day basis and also on special festivals like Shiv Ratri. The temple holds a splendid white statue of Lord Shiva which depicts the five different expressions of Lord Shiva and the third eye collectively called the ‘Panch Bakram Tri Netram’. In this temple aartis are held every day between 8 am and 6 pm and devotees are allowed entry between these timings. Surrounded by the gorgeous scenic beauty of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga mountain peak, this temple helps to keep alive the faith of people and gives them a constant source of spirituality.

Mythological Significance

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is considered to an significant part of Trimurti, or the revered three gods in Hinduism – Brahma – the creator, Vishnu – the preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. This temple has a very unique statue of Lord Shiva in white which represents his five different expressions along with his third eye. Also known as Mahadeva Shiva has many forms which are benevolent and fearsome. He is an omniscient yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash. There is a popular myth that once he becomes angry and open the third eye on his forehead, he starts doing the tandav which brings immense destruction in the world. Most of the time he is depicted as saying demons and.

Architectural Significance

The architectural style of Dhirdham Temple is very important as it is made along the lines of Pashupatinath temple in Nepal which epitomises Hindu temple architecture. It was designed by the Gorkhali Architect Beg Raj Sakya. It looks like a multi layered pagoda from the outside and the premises is surrounded by trees and shrubs. All the features of pagoda style architecture is found here like the cubic constructions, wooden carved rafters on which rests the main part of the pagoda. There are two level roofs with a main door. At the top of the roof there is a pinnacle which is a symbol of religious thought. The deity is of white stone which faces the temple near its entrance and surrounded by a short height concrete fence.

Festival Celebration

Dhirdham Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva observes almost all the festivals but Shiva ratri is the most important festival of this temple, which is organised in a grand way. During this day, the temple is beautifully adorned with illuminating lights and colourful festivals, especially with “saipatri” flower as called by the locals. So, while in Darjeeling, don’t miss the opportunity to be here to seek blessing for happy and prosperous life.