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/Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
State Temple
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
किरातेश्वर महादेव मंदिर
Location
Legship, Sikkim
Darshan
–
Deity
🪔Lord Shiva (Kirateshwar)
Entry
Free entry
It is the most significant Hindu temple in the Buddhist-majority state of Sikkim. The temple is beautifully located on the banks of the Rangeet River and houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga.
Mythology
According to the Mahabharata, Arjuna performed severe penance here to please Lord Shiva and obtain the Pashupatastra (a divine weapon) to win the Kurukshetra war. Shiva appeared before him in the guise of a Kirata (a mountain hunter). Pleased with Arjuna's devotion and valor, Shiva blessed him with the weapon.