People of different religions live in Darjeeling. Among them are Hindus and Buddhists and people of other religions are also present here. Darjeeling has Buddhist Monastery as well as Hindu temples and the Mahakal temple is one of the oldest temples in Darjeeling.
On a clear sunny day, this observatory hill offers a clear view of Kanchenjunga and other snow peaks of the Himalayas.
How to reach Darjeeling Observatory Hill
By Air
If you want to go to Darjeeling by airplane, you have to go to Bagdogra, the nearest airport. The distance from Bagdogra to Darjeeling is 90 km.
To go this 90 km route, you have to hire a car from the airport. So book a plane ticket from any major airport in the country and come to Bagdogra
By Train
If you want to go to Darjeeling by train, you have to reach the nearest railway station New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. There are direct trains from any major railway station in the country to New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri.
Book train tickets from Kolkata, Sealdah, and New Delhi, and visit New Jalpaiguri station. The distance from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is 86 km. This route can be reached by hiring a car or by sharing a car.
By Road
If you want to come by road, you have to reach Siliguri. Siliguri is connected to almost all the major cities of the country through the National Highway.
Darjeeling can be reached by hiring a car from Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri station. Two routes can be chosen to reach Darjeeling from Siliguri. One goes through Mirik and the other through Kurseong.
To reach Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple you will find stairs while walking towards Mall Road, where the signboard says the road to Mahakal Temple. The road is very steep. Those with knee or back problems will find it difficult to climb this road.
What to see at Observatory Hill?
Before entering the main temple there are Siddhi Sai Baba Temple and Hanuman Temple. At and around the entrance you will find Buddhist prayer flags with various mantras written on them. At the entrance, there are big and small bells. This temple is ancient. It is said that earlier there was a Buddhist monastery at the site of this Mahakaal temple.
Total Monastery was destroyed in the Gorkha attack. Later this Mahakal temple was built at that place. However, the temple can be called a kind of ‘Sarvadharma conference’.Next to the temple is the Buddhist prayer wheel. This historic temple is equally popular among locals and tourists visiting Darjeeling. There is a memorial temple in the compound to commemorate the Buddhist relics.
There are also temples named after Goddess Kali, Durga, and Ganesha. At the same time, you will find a fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism within the temple. Along with Buddhist mantra chanting, you will also hear chants of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Nowhere in Darjeeling can one see religious gatherings like this. As Kanchenjunga can be seen in the clear sky from this observatory hill, the experience of life can be enriched by realizing the antiquity and heritage of the Mahakal temple.
On the way down from the temple, you will see some more ancient statues and small temples with Buddhist flags on top.
After coming down from the temple, there is a mountain cave further down 50-60 steps. The cave looks like it is hanging on the mountain. This cave houses Durga idols and idols of other goddesses. The ceiling of the cave is too low for a person to enter. Behind it, the road leads into the forest and access is prohibited
Brief History of Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple
In 1765, Lama Dorje Rinzing built a Buddhist temple on this observatory hill. In 1782 this lama Dorje Rinzing saw these ‘shillings’. He founded the Mahakal temple. Mahakal refers to the god Shiva.
A small gold Ganesha idol on the right side above the head of the ‘Shivlinga‘ is flanked by a Buddha figure. At the same time, Hindu priests and many lamas sit on either side and perform puja.
‘Dorjeling‘ is the name of the city. Later the British named this city Darjeeling. When Nepal attacked Darjeeling in 1815, the Gorkhas looted the temple, and the entire temple was destroyed. Later it shifted to Bhutia Basti
Outside the cave, there are Vishnu and Lakshmi idols on the rocks and Shiva idols next to them. Below that rock, the hill descends almost vertically, surrounded by dense green forest
When to visit Mahakaal Temple
Darjeeling Observatory Hill and Mahakaal Temple can be visited at any time throughout the Year.
The best time to visit Darjeeling is generally considered to be from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the stunning views of the Himalayas.
Additionally, the famous Darjeeling tea gardens are at their most vibrant during this time. However, Darjeeling can be visited throughout the year, as told above so travelers should also consider their personal preferences and the activities they wish to engage in when planning their trip.
Conclusion
Darjeeling’s Observatory Hill stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of different religions, with Hindu and Buddhist temples sharing the same space.
The Mahakal Temple, steeped in history and heritage, reflects a blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences, offering visitors a unique spiritual experience amidst breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Accessible by air, train, or road, Darjeeling and its observatory hill welcome visitors year-round to explore its rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty.
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Q.1: What religious sites can be found at Darjeeling Observatory Hill?
Ans: Hindu temples dedicated to deities such as Mahakal, Kali, Durga, and Ganesha.
Buddhist monuments including a monastery and prayer wheels.
Q.2: How can I reach Darjeeling Observatory Hill?
Ans: By Air: Fly to Bagdogra Airport and hire a car for the 90 km journey to Darjeeling.
By Train: Reach New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri Railway Station and travel 86 km to Darjeeling by car.
By Road: Access Darjeeling via Siliguri, connected to major cities by the National Highway.
Q.3: What can I expect to see at Observatory Hill?
Ans: Temples dedicated to Siddhi Sai Baba, Hanuman, and Mahakal.
Fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism, with prayer flags, bells, and chants.
Historical significance as a former Buddhist monastery site and current religious hub.
Q.4: What is the brief history of Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple?
Ans: Established in 1765 by Lama Dorje Rinzing, later expanded with the founding of Mahakal Temple in 1782.
Suffered destruction during the Gurkha attack in 1815, relocated to Bhutia Basti.
Q.5: When is the best time to visit?
Ans: Darjeeling Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple are open year-round for visitors.
North Bengal's offbeat magic is my muse. I find adventure in whispering waterfalls, vibrant village life, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Join me as I delve deeper, seeking stories and experiences beyond the mainstream, from Darjeeling's tea havens to the unexplored corners of this incredible region