Nine-Story Siddha Cave in Tanahun Remains Underdeveloped Despite Tourism Potential

Tanahun. Approximately 10 kilometers from Bhimad Chok on the Prithvi Highway lies a natural wonder whose structure is astonishing to hear about. Although it is claimed that Siddha Cave, located in Dhandur of Bhimad Municipality-9, spans a nine-story structure, this tourist destination remains obscure due to a lack of proper promotion and infrastructure. Despite the government listing this cave, which holds historical, religious, and tourist significance, among the country's 100 tourist destinations, it has failed to attract the expected number of tourists.

Recently, the municipality has begun showing interest in developing infrastructure and promoting the cave area. According to Mayor Dadhiraj Subedi, the structure of this cave is very unique.

The entrance to the cave is narrow, requiring visitors to stoop to enter. About 30 meters inside the entrance, one reaches the first floor, which has space to comfortably accommodate more than 150 people. According to local experts, the cave extends from here sequentially through the second, third, up to the ninth floor.

Reaching the upper floors of the cave is currently challenging. Tourists can currently reach up to the third floor easily. However, access to the fourth floor has been temporarily restricted because the path has become narrow and risky due to the dissolution of limestone rock.

Mayor Subedi mentioned that his ancestors recounted experiences of reaching the ninth floor, adding that he saw historical archaeological materials when he reached the fourth floor. According to him, important items such as coins minted during the reign of King Surendra and copper vessels used for offerings are present on the fourth floor.

Inside this cave, located in the jungle area on the banks of the Jidi River, one can see unique natural artifacts. Inside the cave, natural formations resembling a grinding stone (dhiki), a millstone (janto), a cow's udder, an elephant's trunk, a Shiva lingam, and figures of various deities are naturally formed.

This also enhances the religious sanctity of the cave. According to local Tej Bahadur Thapa, a special worship of Shiva is performed here every year during the month of Shrawan. Furthermore, local residents have a tradition of offering 'Nawanna' (newly harvested grains) here during the sowing and harvesting seasons. A special fair is also held here during Chaitra Dashain.

According to former Vice-Chairman of the Siddha Cave Development Committee, Bel Bahadur Thapa, although locals have been aware of this cave since ancient times, the construction of tourist infrastructure and systematic promotion have only recently begun. The municipality aims to make this the major tourist center of the region.