Today we went to visit Hanuman Tok. Hanuman Tok is situated approximately 5 km rising from White Hall on a bifurcating road of the Gangtok–Nathula highway. It is 11 km away from Gangtok town. The height of this point is roughly 7,200 ft. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

From the parking lot when you start climbing the paved stairs of the temple, there are benches to rest and soak in the greenery around. However the climb is relatively easy and doable for all. Prayer bells hang from above. Ring a bell and it makes a resonating sound. Prayer chants and sometimes religious music are played through the fitted audio speakers. It’s a divine and heavenly feeling when you reach up to the main Hanuman temple and offer your prayers.

LEGEND

According to the local legends, when Hanuman was flying with the mountain with Sanjeevani herbs (mythological life saving herb) to save Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana, he rested at this spot for some time where his temple now lies. The locals used to worship a stone here for centuries. The temple is popularly known as wish-fulfilling temple.

In 1950s a political officer named Appaji Pant had a divine dream at this place and after that the idol of Lord Hanuman had been erected here. Since then the temple is locally known as the Hanuman Tok. In 1968, the temple was handed over to the Indian Army. Currently, the temple is maintained by the Units of 17 Mountain Division of the Army.

The temple is surrounded by lush green parks and beautiful mountains. From the top of this hillock, one can get a wonderful view of hills around. One can relax on the benches in the parks and soak themselves in the magnificent and religious culture of Sikkim.

People say that one can have a wonderful view of Kanchenjunga from here.  But due to mists and clouds, we couldn’t see Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world.

Jai Hanuman!