Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple stop at Legship

Legship is a small junction town on the Rangeet, where roads to Pelling, Gyalshing, Tashiding, Yuksom and Gangtok meet. Its name comes from the Lepcha word for a kind of fern, from the jungle that once covered the area. On the river bank stands the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, described as one of the holiest and oldest Shiva temples in Sikkim. The Kirati people call it Kirateshwar Mahadev Thaan, and locals often just say Shiv Mandir.

Hindu tradition says Arjuna did penance here, and Shiva appeared to him as a hunter, Kirateshwar, and blessed him with success in the Mahabharata war. The main object of worship is a stone revered as a Shiva linga, and the complex also has shrines to Rama and Durga. Devotees believe a sincere visit fulfils wishes. Two festivals bring crowds: Bala Chaturdashi in November or December, and Maha Shivaratri in February or March.

For travellers, it is an easy stop of under an hour on the drive between Pelling and Tashiding. Remove your shoes, dress modestly and follow the lead of local devotees. Walk down to the river bank to see the Rangeet, but stay well back from the water's edge, as the current is strong. Then continue up to Tashiding. Seeing both on one day shows how Hindu and Buddhist traditions share the same valleys in West Sikkim.