Pindeshwar Baba Dham Becomes Major Religious Tourist Destination

Sunsari. The historic and mythological Pindeshwar Baba Dham, located in Vijaypur of Dharan Metropolitan City-14, is becoming a major destination for domestic and foreign religious tourists.

The number of pilgrims coming here from various districts of the country as well as neighboring India, including Sikkim and Darjeeling, has increased significantly, said Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, ward chairman of Dharan Metropolitan City-14.

Surrounded by dense forests, peepal trees, and resting places, this temple located on the Vijaypur hill attracts pilgrims for worship, sightseeing, and mental peace, he said. Especially as the temperature rises in the Terai, domestic tourists come from far and wide to enjoy the cool environment and greenery here. From the temple premises, a panoramic view of Dharan bazaar, Char Kose jungle, and Itahari area can be observed.

It is believed that wishes are fulfilled by worshiping here. Pabitra Shrestha of Dharan-16 says that she regularly goes to Baba Dham to worship भोलेबाबा (Bhole Baba) because it is believed that wishes made at Pindeshwar Baba Dham are fulfilled. The greenery and peaceful environment also attract her to the Pindeshwar area.

Sunita Shrestha, who came with her family from Biratnagar for Shiva worship, said that after worshiping here, the mind becomes peaceful and desired tasks are completed.

According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean. The nectar that emerged afterward was given only to the gods by Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that Pindeshwar Mahadev originated at the place where the remaining nectar lump was thrown. Here, Lord Shankar is worshiped as Amritpind.

According to Ranjita Katuwal, a member of the Pindeshwar Baba Dham Committee, an average of more than one thousand devotees visit the temple daily. This number exceeds three thousand on Mondays and Saturdays. There is also a significant crowd of people performing Shraddha to appease their ancestors. Economic activities have also gained momentum here.

Indira Khadka, who has been operating a shop for the past 21 years, said that they are very busy on Saturdays and Mondays. She buys rudraksha from Dingla, prepares malas and daali herself, and sells them. Currently, there are 30 such flower shops operating in the Pindeshwar Baba Dham complex.

Although the Pindeshwar temple appears small from the outside, there are more than 10 small and large temples inside. The giant Nandi statue installed at the entrance of the Shiva temple, the historic pond and well to the west of the temple, and the statue of Goddess Saraswati established in the middle are truly attractive.

Especially during festivals like the first and last Mondays of Shrawan, Ashtami, Kartik Purnima, Maghe Sankranti, Mahashivaratri, and Teej, a large crowd of devotees gathers here. During Shrawan, there is also a crowd of devotees who bring water from Saptakoshi barefoot and offer it to Pindeshwar Baba. They believe that offering water to Mahadev washes away sins and fulfills wishes.

Countless devotees also come here during the 'Pindeshwar Ardhakumbh Mela' held every six years in Chataradham and the 'Pindeshwar Purna Mahakumbh' which operates for one month every 12 years.