Sikkim unveils tallest Chenrezig statue

Jeeshan Javed, TNN, KOLKATA: Tourists from Bengal will now have a new Buddhist pilgrimage destination in west Sikkim's Pelling, where chief minister Pawan Chamling unveiled the world's tallest 137-feet statue of Chenrezig on Thursday.

The statue of Chenrezig, the earthly manifestation of the self-born eternal Buddha, has been built at an elevation of 7,200 meters at Sanga Choeling. The spot is located near Sanga Choeling monastery, located on a ridge-top 7 km from Pellling. The site will also include a sky-walk, a gallery and a cafe.

"This is a very prestigious project for government and people of Sikkim, establishing the state as the most preferred destination for leisure and religious tourism," said Ambika Pradhan, secretary of the cultural affairs and heritage department. The cultural affairs department conceptualised and executed the project, which was built by the building and housing department. The foundation was laid in 2009.

Sikkim recently got an airport in Pakyong near Gangtok, which is expected to provide a further fillip to tourism in the state. Tourists no longer have to travel through the often-choked and landslide-prone NH-10. Sikkim receives more than 15 lakh tourists every year, 65% of who are from Bengal.

The Sikkim government has also made replicas of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, Chaar Dhaam in Namchi in south Sikkim, which offers a unique concept of bringing all four Dhams under one roof. The place also hosts a 108-ft tall statue of Lord Shiva and a 18-feet statue of Kiraateshwar - the hunter incarnation of Lord Shiva.

"Sikkim already has two Buddhist pilgrimage sites in south Sikkim - Namchi, home to 135-feet statue of Guru Padmasambhawa and Ravangla, with an 130-feet statue of Lord Buddha. The new addition will assert Sikkim's position as the preferred destination for religious tourism too," said Ugen T Gyatso, tourism minister of Sikkim.