Daunne Devi Temple in Nawalparasi Gains Prominence as Religious and Tourist Hub

Daunne Devi Temple, located in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-2 of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Nawalpur, is emerging as a significant site for religious, historical, and tourism purposes. The number of devotees visiting this temple, situated atop Daunne Hill near the East-West Highway, has been increasing recently.

The temple is located approximately 3,300 feet above sea level, and it takes about half an hour of uphill travel from Daunne Bazaar to reach it. Devotees from various districts across the country visit here, believing that their wishes are fulfilled upon worship. Due to its proximity to the Indian border, devotees also come from India.

According to locals, the religious significance of this area dates back to the time of King Manimukunda Sen of Palpa, according to oral tradition. Therefore, the Daunne Devi Temple is known as a historical temple, stated Harihar Subedi, Chairman of the Daunne Devi Temple Management Committee.

A large fair is held here, especially during Bada Dashain, Chaitra Dashain, Shree Panchami, and other festivals. Chairman Subedi mentioned that the Daunne Devi Temple is worshipped as a Shakti Peeth. Subedi also stated that locals visit the temple for ceremonies such as weddings and Bratabandha (sacred thread ceremony).

In this area, there are other religious sites including the Laxminarayan Temple, Shivalaya, Gayatri Temple, and Gumba. Chairman Subedi informed that the Daunne Devi Temple Management Committee also operates a cowshed (Gaushala). There is a rush of devotees on public holidays. "There is a huge crowd of devotees during Dashain, and on other public holidays, a significant number of devotees visit," said Chairman Subedi.

He added that because the location is naturally beautiful, people visit not only for religious pilgrimage but also for sightseeing. According to Chairman Subedi, the Daunne Devi Temple has also been listed among the major tourist destinations of the province published by the Gandaki Province Government. However, he noted that the state has shown little interest in the development of the temple.

The chairman informed that the management of priests, operation of the cowshed, management of staff, and general management of the temple are being carried out using the offerings made by the devotees. "The state should also take an interest in the operation and management of such Shakti Peeths. These are our religious assets, so efforts should be made for their conservation," said Chairman Subedi.

Recently, the Temple Management Committee has opened a new route to facilitate easy access to the temple for physically challenged and elderly citizens. Although the route was opened with the objective of allowing vehicles to reach the temple, the committee has not been able to upgrade it by adding gravel. Chairman Subedi stated that it would be beneficial if the state provided assistance for this.

The Daunne Devi Temple area, famous in Nawalpur religiously, is full of natural beauty. As beautiful views can be observed from Daunne Hill, this area is developing as a destination for religious tourism. Chairman Subedi stated that everyone should strive for its further management and development.