History and folklores of Sikkim 🧚🏼✨
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Nathu la
Nathu means ‘listening ears’, and La means ‘pass’. I dont know why its called so. If anyone knows please add a comment.
Nathu La was one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is famous for its picturesque beauty and beautiful environment. But the trades through Nathu la were stopped post covid.
The temperature here remains low for most parts. The oxygen level here is really low.
Tsomgo lake
The name Tsomgo comes from two Bhutia words, (Tso- lake and go- ahead).
According to local legends, there used to be a yak barn where the lake is currently situated. An old woman, a yak harder once saw a dream where she was warned that the place being flooded and was asked to vacate the place. She took the dream seriously and left the place. However her fellow herders didn’t listen to her and dismissed it as superstition. Shortly after the the woman left, she saw an old woman with long, flowing snow-white hair entering the valley. As soon as the woman with white hair appeared, the entire area began filling up with water, forming a vast and beautiful lake. Sadly, the herders who had refused to leave were engulfed by the rising waters and tragically drowned.It is believed that the old woman with white hair was the guardian deity of the lake, appearing to protect and preserve the area. As a result, the lake came to be known as Tsomgo, which means “source of water” in Bhutia. The legend serves as a reminder of the significance of heeding warnings and respecting the forces of nature.
According to another folklore, lamas used to predict the future after studying the changing colours of the lake. The darker colour of the water denotes a more promising or troubling future.
Baba Mandir
Harbhajan Singh was posted in the border area of Nathu La in Sikkim, which is close to the Indo-China border. In 1968, Sepoy Harbhajan Singh met with an unfortunate incident while on duty and lost his life near the Nathu La Pass.
After his demise, according to accounts from fellow soldiers, his spirit continued to patrol the area and safeguard the soldiers. Several soldiers reported sightings of a man on horseback, believed to be Harbhajan Singh, who guided and protected them in difficult terrains.
A shrine was built in his memory at his place of posting, and it came to be known as Baba Mandir. The Indian Army, in collaboration with the local authorities, constructed the shrine to honour the brave soldier and provide a place of remembrance and reverence.
Guru Dongmar
Gurudongmar Lake has become an important pilgrimage site for both Sikhs and Buddhists.
It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev arrived at Gurudongmar Lake during his spiritual travels.
According to Sikh legends, when Guru Nanak Dev reached the frozen lake, he noticed that the local residents faced challenges due to the lack of drinking water. Guru Nanak, in his compassion, touched the icy surface, and a portion of the lake’s water turned into a perennially flowing area that remains unfrozen even during extreme winters. The non-freezing portion of Gurudongmar Lake, attributed to Guru Nanak’s blessings, is believed to possess healing properties.
Gurudongmar Lake is believed to have a connection with Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. According to legend, Padmasambhava, meditated in the area surrounding the lake during his journey to Tibet in the 8th century. His blessings and spiritual presence are associated with the lake. Buddhists, particularly those following Tibetan Buddhism, consider Gurudongmar Lake as a significant pilgrimage site.
