Rurukshetra, a Pilgrimage and Religious Site

There are four religious centers of Hindus in Nepal. They are Muktikshetra, Rurukshetra, Barahakshetra and Pashupatikshetra. Two of them, Muktikshetra and Rurukshetra are located on the Kali Gandaki River. Ruru Region lies in the western Nepal. About 96 km to the north of Lumbini and 30 km to the northwest of Tansen lies Rurukshetra, at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Ridi rivers. Ruru is on the tarred road linking Tansen with Tamghas. Ruru region covers Ruru, Thanapani and Aslewa VDCs of Gulmi district, Argali VDC of Palpa district and Karikot of Chanjebhanjyang VDC of Syangja district.

Ruru, commonly known as Ridi, was named after a mythological girl named Ruru. She was born to a fairy named Pramlocha and brought up by a doe. Ruru, through her penance, pleased Lord Vishnu. When Lord Vishnu appeared before her and asked her to beg of him for a boon, she asked him to stay there forever. So, Lord Vishnu stayed there as Hrishikeshav. There are two separate temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Ruru Kanya. A four armed stone- image is seen inside the Hrishikeshav Temple. Other places worth visiting are Bhrigutungeshwor Mahadev, cave, Achammeshwor, Ram temple at Rudrabeni etc.

Ruru is known as Banaras of Nepal because all the Hindu rituals which are performed on the bank of Ganges in Banaras are also performed here. The most important festival at Ridi is Maghesankranti, the first day of the Nepali month Magh (mid-January). Thousands of Hindu devotees have a holy dip in the water of Kali Gandaki River. This is also done on every Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the new moon and eclipses. It is believed that the holy dip cleanses their bodies and souls free from sins and prepare the souls for salvation. Most Hindus in surrounding areas wish to be cremated after their death on the bank of the Kali Gandaki at Ridi for salvation. In case of failure to bring dead bodies here for cremation, ashes are flowed in the water of Kali Gandaki.

Resunga; a Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage

Ruru and Resunga are co-related pilgrimages. A black topped road connects them. 45 km away from Ruru, at the end of the black topped road lies Tamghas, the headquarters of Gulmi district. The Resunga hill overlooks Tamghas. Mythologically, Ruru hosted saints, yogis and hrishis in the winter season whereas Resunga provided a place for yoga, meditation and arduous practice to them in the summer season. Resunga inspired many spiritually. Mythologically, Hrishya-shringa, a horned sage, meditated here. So, this hill was named Resunga after him. Of the known history, Swami Shasidhar, Mahaprabhu Lakshmi Narayan, Thakur Prasad, Yadukananda etc. meditated and practiced Yoga at the top of Resunga. Swami Shashidhar founded Josmani cult (a progressive and inclusive thought) here and it spreads all over Nepal, parts of India, Bhutan, Burma and other parts of south Asia. The shrines and relics left by these sages are still there on and around Resunga. There is a large historical pond built by Mahaprabhu Lakshminarayan in the upper reach of the Resunga hill. Mahaprabhu brought waters from all the places of Hindu Pilgrimage in Nepal and India and poured into it so that people who feel these places of pilgrimage to be economically beyond their reach could bathe in it. Resunga, a hill of amazing geographical setting and fascinating beauty, is very much rich in biodiversity. It is a store-house of diverse wild lives and wild plants ranging from semi-tropical to temperate forests. It is a majestic natural tower providing fascinating views of surrounding vista. From the top of Resunga, to the north, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre peaks of Himalaya can be seen. To the south, the plains of the Terai (even Gorakhpur) and the hills of the intervening Chure range are also seen from here. It has numerous water springs supplying drinking water to the eleven VDCs surrounding it immediately. The VDCs are also benefited by Resunga with medicinal herbs, timber, fodder and firewood. The surrounding VDCs are rich in cultural heritage. Resunga region covers the Resunga forest and eleven VDCs; Tamghas, Arkhale, Hastichaur, Bandagaun, Paralmi, Balithum, Jubhung, Gaudakot, Dubichaur, Darbar Devisthan, Simichaur and surrounding area of Bichitra Cave in Dhurkot Bastu. Arjun hill stands to the west of Resunga hill, adding to the beauty of Tamghas. This hill is historically important for political past. Remains of an old fort are on its top.

“Welcome to Dolakha, “Rural Development through Tourism”

Dolakha, one of the high historical, natural, adventurous, religious, important touristic place lies 130 km east of Kathmandu. We first reach Kharidhunga, 110 km from Kathmandu from where one can get splendid views of Himalayan range. Kharidhunga, located about 2660 m above the sea level, boasts one of the world’s best magnesites deposits. Dolakha is one of the rare tourist spots of Nepal in the sense that from this single place the heart-touching views of Himalaya, forest, rivers, landscapes and villages can be observed.

Charikot, the district headquarters of Dolakha, has unique geographical settings. The spectacular views of many Himalayas including Mt. Gaurishankar of Rolwaling Himalayan range can be observed from here. Charikot is a business center having all facilities for the tourists. It is a hill station for sunrise and sunset programs.

Dolakha is regarded as the home of ancient civilization. There are more than dozen of temples and stupas including temples of Bhimeshwor, Tripura Sundari, and Kali with various cultural festivals. It is believed that the statue of Bhimeshwor perspires before the grave crisis of misfortune in the country.

Kalinchowk, the religious and natural snow peaked peak is famous as a pilgrimage sites of Nepal. It is a place to see and enjoy Rhododendron and other different colorful flowers of all high altitudes. It is the best place for trekking, to see the views of panorama of Himalayas as well as sunrise and sunset and also the place to introduce Snow-skiing, Golf course, Cable car, rock climbing etc. great festivals take places here during Janai Purnima (Aug- Sept), Bada Dashain (Sept- Oct) and Chaite Dashain (Apr-May).

Jiri is a place of Yak farming and Cheese industry and is also the gateway of Mt. Everest. Jatapokhari is a worth visiting place of this region. Jirels are the main habitants of here having with their own culture and way of life.

Tashi Gumba at Bigu is another important place for trekking. Bahula Pokhari near this area is the very beautiful touristic place where religious festival takes place during Rishi Tarpani Purnima (Aug). Beding is the place having 60 houses with 300 populations and maximum summiteers of Mt. Everest.

One can also observe the greatest glacier lake, Cho-Rolpa which is situated at the highest place of the country. Lama Bagar (Lapchi), gateway of Tibet, is another important place of Dolakha having 33 meditation centers established by the religious leader Melareppa about 1000 years ago. Here are Chhewar Gumba for Tibetan refugees and Pema Chhitin Gumba of Nepalese people, established 1300 years ago.

Shailungeshwor Danda, the hill of 100 hillocks, is a holy place of Shailungeshwor Mahadev and religious festival take place every year during Janai Purnima (Aug), and 12 year Godawari Festival. It is the best place for trekking, to see sunrise and sunset programs and to enjoy the panoramic views of most of the snow peaked mountains of Nepal. Tamakoshi is the best river to perform rafting and so on.

The major temples situated at Bandipur

Khadga Devi, the highly revered temple of Khadga Devi could be mistaken for a residential house where it not for the finial. The shrine does not contain any ideal, but a Khadga, a scared sword- a gift from Lord Shiva to Mukunda Sen, the king of Palpa. Wrapped in layer of cloth, legend has it that anyone looking at the bare sword invites instant death. The Khadga is worshipped as a symbol of the female power. This temple is opened to devotees only once a year on the day of Phulpati, the seventh day of Hindu festival of Dashain usually in October.

Bindhebasini Temple, the pagoda- style temple is located in main bazaar. Enshrined here is an image of goddess Bindhebasini. It also contains idols of other goddesses. During the New Year celebration in April, the image of Bindhebasini is put on the chariot and pulled through the town amidst other revelry.

Mahalaxmi Temple, the pagoda-style temple from the medieval period is located to the south-east of main bazaar. Its struts and tympanum are adorned with fingers of Bhimsen and various mythical creatures.

As with the Newar town elsewhere, Bandipur also boasts year round festivals and plethora of other culture shows. The unique festival of Bandipur include the Khadga Jatra (October) and Bisket Jatra (April). The Magars mark the full moon day of Baishakh Purnima (April), in which unmarried women perform the Ghatu Jatra with married women singing the folk songs. The Sorathi and Chutka are the other popular dance of Bandipur.