Baba Sundarnath Dham: A Historic Hindu Shrine on Nepal-India Border Developing as a Major Tourist Destination

Numerous religious sites based on ancient legends abound in the border areas between Nepal and India. The temples situated in the border regions serve as heritage and tradition for religious tourism in each other's countries. Bilateral social, cultural, marital, religious, and economic relations have become significant due to mutual tourism.

Baba Sundarnath Dham, considered a major center of faith and devotion for Shiva devotees, located in Dumaria Panchayat, Kursakanta Block, Araria District, Bihar, India, is gradually developing as a tourist destination due to its growing fame for fulfilling the wishes of supplicant devotees. This ancient, historical, and famous religious site is situated in the region of Mithila.

Baba Sundarnath Dham is situated at a place called Sundari Math. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mahadev). It is a historical temple of the Mithila region. A Shivling has been established here since time immemorial. According to local folklore, it is believed that this Shivling is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and the marks on it are natural or divine creations.

A swastika is engraved on the Shivling. To the left of Baba is the temple of Mother Shakti Parvati. Son Ganapati is in the lap of the Mother. The abode of Lord Shiva is called the Shivalaya. According to the form of the Shivalaya, Nandi Maharaj is present. The temple complex is vast, within which Shiv Ganga and many grand structures have been built.

The presence of a swastika engraved on the Shivling of Baba Sundarnath Dham is a much-discussed topic among devotees. This sight is different and unique compared to ordinary Shivlings. It is considered a symbol of creation and destruction. The right-facing swastika is considered a symbol of creation and Brahma, while the inverted or left-facing swastika is considered a symbol of Lord Shiva and destruction.

The swastika on the Shivling signifies Shiva's benevolent and cosmic power. It is believed that the swastika engraved on the Shivling concentrates the positive energy of that place. Since the swastika is considered a symbol of 'auspiciousness' and 'welfare,' it is believed to grant mental peace and good fortune to devotees.

This Shivling is considered very old and from the mythological era. The engraving of such symbols on the Shivling highlights the historical and tantric significance of this temple. It is believed to represent the four Vedas and the directions. It is believed that the four lines of the swastika represent the four Vedas, the four directions, and the four goals of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha).

Devotees come to Baba's temple with their wishes. They perform Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek, Havan, and Japa. Baba Sundarnath solves their problems. The Mother Parvati temple located within the complex has become a center of faith for marriage ceremonies. Devotees worship Mother Parvati, wishing for happiness and peace in life.

Both temples are connected by flags and banners. The grandeur and carvings of the temple are indescribable. A small market has sprung up outside the temple complex, where necessary items for visitors are available. A magnificent Ram-Janaki temple is located at the entrance gate one kilometer before the temple.

In 1935, King Kulanand Singh of Garhbanouli constructed a permanent temple here. In 2006, industrialist Ashkaran Agarwal of Biratnagar (Nepal) began constructing a grand temple by demolishing the old one. Due to unavoidable reasons, that work remained incomplete. MLA Vijay Kumar Mandal, along with local residents, resumed the remaining work on the temple in 2012.

In 2016, an eleven-member committee was formed and registered with the Bihar State Religious Trust Board, Patna. The board named this committee the "Sundari Math Trust Committee." The chief Mahant of Sundari Math is Singhshwar Giri, and his nephew Shravan Kumar Giri plays a supporting role.

The border area between Nepal and India is a storehouse of mythological legends. The birth of Mother Sita in Janakpurdham and her marriage to Prince Rama of Ayodhya laid the foundation for religious tourism between the two countries. The Buddhist Circuit between Lumbini (Nepal) and Kushinagar or Bodh Gaya (India) connects devotees from all over the world.

Similarly, the connection between Pashupatinath and Kashi Vishwanath has instilled deep reverence among Sanatanis of both countries towards each other's land. This temple is believed to be connected to the Mahabharata period. According to folklore, the Pandavas worshipped here while spending the last year of their exile in Viratnagar.

It is said that Mother Kunti worshipped Lord Shiva here by offering one thousand lotus flowers. It is also believed that the Pandavas hid their weapons and arms under a tree in this area before going to King Virat's court.

Progress has been made in installing strong lighting systems in the temple complex, fountains in Shiv Ganga, developing a viewing management system, constructing pathways along the pond banks and sheds above, constructing modern toilets, and providing necessary services and facilities for visitors. Efforts are underway to widen the market road.

This site has immense potential to become a tourist destination. The central and Bihar governments are developing it as a tourist destination. A grand temple of Baba Bholenath and Mother Parvati has been constructed through public donations. Beautification work is currently ongoing.

Sundarnath Dham is an important religious site in Araria district, Bihar. Annually, 1.5 to 2 million devotees visit here. It has become a center of faith for people of Nepali origin living both in India and abroad.

Devotees from both countries participate equally in the daily worship and festivals held at the temples in the border areas. Whether it is the Gadhimai fair or the journey to Purnagiri, the border has never stopped faith. Such religious sites have sustained the tradition of pilgrimage since ancient times, which has further strengthened people-to-people relations.

Religious tourism not only brings peace to the mind but also energizes the economy. Local markets, transportation, and hotel businesses in the border areas depend on pilgrims. Speaking of marital relations, following the ideal of the Ram-Sita marriage, cross-border marriages have served as a 'cultural bridge.'

Religious sites on the Nepal-India border are shared heritage. These sites have bolstered social harmony and economic growth between the two nations. If the systematic development of religious tourism is achieved while preserving this historical and spiritual connection, the prosperity and brotherhood of both countries are certain to reach greater heights.

Mahashivratri is the biggest festival here, with an annual participation of 2 million devotees. A grand fair is held here during Mahashivratri, with a large presence of devotees coming from Nepal. There is an equally large crowd of devotees offering water during the month of Shrawan.

On Mondays in Shrawan and on Shivratri day, there is no space to stand, so it is better to visit on other normal days for a peaceful darshan. If you are visiting on Shivratri or a Monday in Shrawan, it is best to leave early due to the heavy crowds. On other normal days, peaceful darshan can be obtained during the afternoon.

The main worship here is offering water to the Shivling. Most devotees bring water from a nearby holy reservoir or river to offer. For special wishes to be fulfilled, devotees perform Rudrabhishek and Mahamrityunjay Jaap here. For this, local priests of the temple can be contacted.

It is a tradition for many families in the border areas of Bihar and Nepal to perform the first tonsure ceremony (mundan sanskar) of their children at this temple. Devotees also have a custom of offering a goat sacrifice or performing special adornment worship (shringar puja) after their wishes are fulfilled. The temple management committee has deployed volunteers to assist devotees.

For the convenience of visitors at Sundari Math, there is a public dharamshala within the temple complex where devotees coming from afar can stay at a low cost or for free. Outside the temple complex, there are small hotels and shops where local food and snacks are available. A grand Bhandara (community feast) is organized on Shivratri.

Due to its proximity to the Nepal-India border, a large number of devotees come here, especially from Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa districts of Nepal. One can reach Sundari Math by entering India via Lacchhminia, Majhare, or via Katahari-Sisbani-Jahada-Nocha from East Morang, or via Kadmaha to Nocha. The bordering village on the Nepali side is Ukharakatta, and on the Indian side, it is Dumaria. South of this Dumaria, Sundari Math Dham is established in the vast field of Sundari village.

One can easily reach this temple by crossing the border from Biratnagar, Nepal. It is very convenient to reach Sundari Math from Biratnagar as it is very close to the Nepal-India border. The most common route from Biratnagar to Sundari Math is via Jogbani. After crossing the border from Rani checkpoint in Biratnagar, one can reach Jogbani by auto-rickshaw or private vehicle.

This ancient, historical, and famous religious site, Baba Sundarnath Dham, is located in Dumaria Panchayat, Kursakanta Block, Araria District, Bihar. Private vehicles can reach the temple directly after completing customs procedures.

The road condition is generally good. Auto-rickshaws or taxis are readily available from Jogbani or Farbisganj to Sundari Math. Reserving a private taxi is more convenient when traveling in a group. If coming from far away, one can come by train to Jogbani Railway Station and then use the road route.

It generally takes 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the temple from Biratnagar. The distance from Mahendra Chowk in Biratnagar to Sundari Math via Shanimandir, Katahari, Laxminia, Ukharakatta, Dumariya is 17 km.