This is a story of a soldier who is still on duty posthumously. This is a story of faith and duty. This is a surprising story of Baba Harbhajan Singh.There lies a small temple in Indo-China border in Sikkim. This is not a temple of a god. This is the temple of Baba Harbhajan Singh.
Captain Harbhajan Singh was born on 3 August 1941 in Brondal village in Kapurthala district, Punjab. In 1966, he joined the 23rd Punjab Battalion. Harbhajan Singh posted in Sikkim on 4 October 1968 while riding on horse from Tekula Sarhad to his headquarters Dengchukla, he fell into a fast-flowing waterfall and died. The search operation went on for five days in, then he was declared missing. On the fifth day, Harbhajan Singh, in a dream, told his fellow soldier Pritam Singh about his death and told where his body is. At first no one believed Pritam Singh, but when his dead body was found at the said place, the army officers were convinced.
A Samadhi was raised in his memory and believers say that even today Baba visits every night, puts on his uniform and does his rounds. He is worshipped as a saint who grants boons and guards the lives of soldiers posted along the border. It is said that even after death, Baba Harbhajan Singh does his duty and informs his colleagues about all the activities of China. Even after death, he is employed in the army and he is also promoted, given salary, two months leave etc. like all others. The army used to book tickets in the train during the two-month long halt and the local people used to take his belongings and carry in a procession to leave the railway station. A quarter of his salary was sent to his mother. Baba Harbhajan Singh's temple has his shoes and other salmon. The soldiers of the Indian Army take care of this temple and it is their duty to polish Baba's shoes daily, correct his bed.
The Temple is very well maintained and also houses the symbolic room and office of Baba Harbhajan. The complex has been extended to include a war memorial, museum and a cafeteria.
How to reach:Located at an altitude of 13,123 ft and about 52kms from Gangtok, visitors usually covers this temple along with a visit to Tsongmo Lake and Nathula Pass.
