Visiting Sikkim next month? Do check-out world's tallest Chenrezig statue
What's the story
Planning for a November vacation to Sikkim? Be sure to check out the 137-feet statue of Chenrezig, touted to be the world's tallest figurine of the Tibetan-Buddhist deity.
According to Sikkim government, the pilgrim site at Pelling, West Sikkim, will play host to the statue at an elevation of 7,200 meters.
Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig is the earthly manifestation of the self-born, eternal Buddha, Amitabha.
Details
Building statue, complex was challenging because of rough terrain: Minister
The project, which started in 2009, was consecrated by the Dalai Lama this March.
As part of the State Government's policy to promote Sikkim as a Buddhist Pilgrimage Tourism Circuit, the destination park has been built at Sangha Choeling at Rs. 46.65cr.
"Building the statue and a new complex has been challenging because of the rough terrain," said Tourism Minister Ugen T Gyatso.
Aspirations
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling wants to make Sikkim a 'Shingkham'
Another official at Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's office said Chamling had conceptualized the idea of making Sikkim a "Shingkham", which means paradise, by constructing statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava in the state.
"The popular Buddhist belief is that any altar is incomplete without the presence of statues of Lord Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Chenrezig," he added.
Information
Sikkim has two more Buddhist pilgrimage circuits
The statue project was constructed by the Department of Culture and the Department of Buildings and Housing. Sikkim has two more Buddhist pilgrimage circuits in South Sikkim- Namchi, home to 135-feet statue of Guru Padmasambhawa and Ravangla, playing host to 130-feet statue of Lord Buddha.