The Legend: Ghost of Baba Harbhajan Singh in, Sikkim

Sepoy Harbhajan Singh at the age of 22 was the victim of a battle at Nathula pass in Sikkim during the late 1960’s Sino-Indian war. Singh drowned in a glacier while leading a column of mules carrying supplies to a remote outpost. His remains were found after a three-day search. His body was subsequently cremated with full military honours. According to army legend, the ghost of Singh has never left his post and continues to guard the borders to this day. The legend further claims that the late Singh helped the search party find his body. Still later, through a dream, he instructed one of his colleagues to build and maintain a shrine in his memory.

Some Indian soldiers believe that in the event of a war between India and China, he would warn the Indian soldiers of an impending attack at least three days in advance. It is said that any army official not maintaining a clean and disciplined attire is punished with a slap by the ghost of Harbhajan Singh. According to locals, Harbhajan Singh’s uniform which hangs in display needs no cleaning from anyone as it gets cleaned supernaturally.

Today, even decades after the death of Baba Harbhajan Singh, it is believed that his monumental presence is still felt by the soldiers of the Indian army. Army units that are posted in the area where Baba Harbhajan Singh’s body was found and where the mandir stands, seek Baba’s blessing every time they go out on a treacherous fleet. It is also strongly believed that Baba will always warn their army men of any anticipated attacks from foreign countries prior to occurrence. In honor of Baba’s service and strong spiritual presence post his death in the Indian army, he was promoted to an Honorary Captain, and his earnings were sent to his existing family members. A lot many traditions were followed in his name in terms of annual leave and attire, which finally came to an end when he hypothetically retired from the army a few years ago.

Baba Harbhajan Singh’s impact has been so strongly felt that even the Chinese on the other side of the border leave a vacant seat as a sign of respect to Baba at flag meetings between the two contingents. As it is believed that the shrine of Baba Harbhajan Singh can even bring cure to ailing people, here in Sikkim faith in Baba is stronger than anything else and it has even helped the Indian army and its people overcome multiple obstacles. And till today, almost 53 years later the mystery behind Baba Harbhajan Singh’s presence still remains unresolved only to be overpowered by ample amount of faith.