Gangtok,Sept06: South Sikkim is gearing up for more activities to emerge as a hotspot for tourists. After installation of 135 feet tall statue of Guru Padma Sambhava, a statue of Lord Shiva 108 feet high is in the making opposite to the former at Solophok in South Sikkim. The planning which focuses on providing a comprehensive package of pilgrimage tourism for Hindus, also has in its fold an 18 feet tall statue of Kirateswar, the other nameof Lord Shiva, in the Southern direction.It is in the scheme of things to develop Solophok, which is five kilometer away from District Headquarter Namchi, as a replica of all important Char Dham for Hindus. The sanctum sanctorum of the project was laid in February 2005 by the Governor of Sikkim Mr. V Rama Rao.Over the last 2 years and 7 months since inception, construction of dozens of Jyotirlingam has been completed while Lord Shiva’s statue is being given a final touch. The stream of water (call ganges) to flow from Shiva’s head will be from Rangit river pumped up to the required height! After its completion in about 36 month, the site will be a composite replica of all the four Dhams – Sri Badrinath Dham (north), Sri Ramaswar Dham (south), Sri Jagannath Dham (east) and Sri Dwarka Dham (west).The 108 feet statue of Lord Shiva will be encircled and supported by a girdle of twelve Jyotirlingams. Besides attracting the tourists, the Char Dham spread over 25 acres of scenic and picturesque landscape, will also serve as a cultural centre. The project at an estimated cost of Rs. 34.7 crore is being executed by Hindustan Electrical Construction limited.
