Baba Mandir is located near Nathula pass at a height of 13,123 ft, about 52kms from Gangtok. Baba Mandir is also known as Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. Travelers usually visit this temple along with Tsomogo Lake and Nathula pass.
There is a story connected with this temple. Harbhajan Singh was an Army guard of Punjab Regiment and was posted here as part of the border patrol force. In October 1968 he disappeared near the border of China. It is said that while accompanying mules carrying equipments, he fell into a stream and drowned. After a few days, he appeared in the dreams of one of his colleagues and asked him to make a memorial here on his name.
The guards then made a memorial and later this temple was built. Although Harbhajan Sing is no more, the guards here believe that his spirit is still alive and he is hence treated as a living being. They all believe that Harbhajan will guard and protect them in any difficult situation in this terrain.
There have been reports that Chinese soldiers across the border have seen a turbaned guard doing his duty at night. Many guards here believe that Harbhajan Singh comes here every night as his tents bed sheet gets wrinkled every morning and his polished shoes turn soggy by the evening.
While Harbhajan Singh is gone for long, his live memories have resulted in several activities from the army which is infrequently seen. Out of sheer belief that his spirit is still working, he has been raised to the rank of privileged Captain.
Every year during his annual leave, Harbhajan Singh visits his hometown in Punjab. Two soldiers accompany his uniform in a vehicle up to Siliguri then on a train to his hometown. His wages are still sent to his home.
From many years, this temple has become a place of pilgrimage. Inside the temple, you will find a framed photo of turbaned Harbhanaj Sing which is worshipped. You will often find army vehicles passing by where soldiers come and offer quick prayers before proceeding.
On one side of the memorial is Harbhajan Sing's Office where he is believed to be carrying out his day to day work. On the other side is his dining place and a room with his bed, shoes, and uniform. Although this temple is on a roadside, it is enclosed by the hills on all sides with magnificent views.
Point to be noted:
Baba Mandir is usually included with a day trip to Tsomogo lake or Nathula pass. Since this is a protected area (border), you will also require a permit which the tour operator will take care of. You need to provide Id proof and two passport size photos. Permits should be applied a day before visiting this place.