Dhirdham Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Bagdogra airport is 90 km from Darjeeling via NH 110. It is the nearest airport with flights from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.

• By train

  Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the two closest railway stations. Both have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and other major cities of India.

• By road

  The main road access to Darjeeling is via Siliguri, 77 km away on NH 55. Buses run from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri.

Why devotees come here

Dhirdham Temple is a Hindu temple in Darjeeling, West Bengal, dedicated to Shiva. Its three lingas are believed to represent Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. Its pagoda-style design is inspired by Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, and it was built in 1939 under the patronage of Nepal's reigning king at that time.

Dhirdham Temple is dedicated to Shiva, and it is a Hindu temple in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Devotees believe that three Shiva-lingas here, representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, manifested at this place. The main idol is said to show five facial expressions of Shiva in different moods, along with the third eye. The temple is in Darjeeling district, West Bengal.

Rai Saheb Purna Bahadur Pradhan, who came from Nepal, built the temple in 1939. He did so under the patronage of Nepal's reigning king at that time.

The architectural design was done by Beg Raj Shakya. The pagoda-style architecture is inspired by Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, and the two look alike in design. Behind the temple, hills and valleys stretch out in view.

Tips for your visit

• Spend a few minutes behind the temple, where hills and valleys open out in view.
• Look closely at the roof, which is intricately carved and colourful.

Questions people ask