Historic 'Shila Sutkeri' in Bhojpur Faces Neglect Due to Lack of Promotion and Land Disputes

Bhojpur. The 'Shila Sutkeri', a site of significant historical and religious importance located in Khairang, Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality-4, in the southern part of the district, remains overshadowed due to a lack of adequate promotion. Despite its high potential from natural, cultural, and religious perspectives, the site's true identity has not been established as it remains limited to the local level.

According to local folklore, the stone originated after a woman disappeared while giving birth in ancient times. Local resident Ganga Bahadur Khadka stated that the site was named 'Shila Sutkeri' based on this legend. Locals claim that the shape of a woman in labor can still be clearly seen on the stone, adding to the site's mystery and appeal.

Khadka describes 'Shila Sutkeri' as a remarkable place linked to religious faith and belief. "This place is truly amazing. The figure of a woman in labor is clearly visible on the stone. Devotees come from far and wide with the belief that couples who have not had children for a long time after marriage will be blessed with offspring if they worship and visit here," he said.

He noted that until a few decades ago, fairs and religious festivals were held here regularly. Especially during Bala Chaturdashi, there was a significant presence of devotees from the local area and neighboring districts. However, these activities have gradually declined and have now almost ceased, leading to a decrease in the area's vibrancy.

Khadka believes that if the religious and cultural significance of 'Shila Sutkeri' is systematically highlighted, it could be developed into one of the country's major religious and tourist destinations. Its natural beauty, peaceful environment, and historical background hold great potential for promoting religious tourism.

The local government has taken some initiatives for the protection of this area. According to Ward Chairman of Hatuwagadhi-4, Chandra Bahadur Bista, the ward has completed basic conservation work such as fencing despite limited resources. "This is an important historical and religious heritage of our region," he said, "The ward has moved forward with conservation work as much as possible, but further resources, planning, and coordination are needed for long-term development."

The fact that the land where the stone is located is under private ownership has created complexities in its overall development and conservation. The local government states that major projects cannot be implemented because the land management issue remains unresolved.

According to Ward Chairman Bista, a budget of approximately 10 million rupees received from the central government in the last fiscal year had to be returned because it could not be implemented for this reason. "Even though the budget arrived, we could not proceed with the work due to the land-related problem," he said, "If this problem can be solved, we can move forward with infrastructure development, temple construction, trails, resting places, and other works."

Local stakeholders believe that if 'Shila Sutkeri' is protected and effectively promoted, it could have a positive impact on the local economy through religious tourism. They emphasize that coordination and cooperation between government agencies, local levels, tourism entrepreneurs, and the community are essential for this.

Local resident Man Bahadur Rai stated that it is necessary to create and implement a clear plan for the long-term conservation, management, and promotion of this site. "If its historical and religious identity can be taken to the national and international level, it will contribute significantly to the tourism development of Bhojpur," he said.

Rural Municipality Chairman Prem Kumar Rai mentioned that 'Shila Sutkeri' is an important religious site in the Hatuwagadhi region and that the rural municipality has prioritized its development. He informed that the budget received from higher authorities could not be implemented multiple times because the land is under private ownership.

"Development is problematic because the land is privately owned," Chairman Rai said, "Although discussions have been held with the landowner through various means to bring it under government ownership, no agreement has been reached. For this reason, major conservation works cannot be carried out through contracts. This year too, a budget of approximately 10 million rupees received from the provincial government is on the verge of not being implemented."

Local experts believe that if attention is paid to the conservation, management, and promotion of a site with such historical and religious importance as 'Shila Sutkeri', it can be established as an important national-level religious and tourist destination.