Haleshi- Second Pashupatinath

Aakash Cave

Let's go through the east-west Highway in the plains of eastern Nepal. The beautiful view of the plains seen during the journey is breathing. The fertile land of Nepal, the Tarai, is the confluence of all castes.

Passing the eastern chowk Ithari, we turn north from Mirchaya. Walking towards Katari Bazar on the Siddhicharan Road which is scattered on the Chure Hills.

The region of high Mahabharat Hills and Chure Mountains is also called Bhitri Madhesh. It covers about 33 districts from east Jhapa to west Kanchanpur. 

We now make the arduous journey of about 46 km to Ghurmi Via Katari Bazar. Now

if you're traveling from Kathmandu, this will be your confluence. From Khurkot on the BP Highway to Sunkoshi edge(side by side), your journey will be no less memorable.

Now head north towards the Sunkoshi, after crossing the bridge and reaching Harkapur, Okhaldhunga. Now our journey will be a little easier and shorter. From Harkapur, turn left to go to Okhaldhunga and go to right to Haleshi. Proudly to know, my birthplace is also this Okhaldhunga.

Okhaldhunga Bazar is about 40 km from here while Haleshi should be about 34 km from Harkapur. We now depart for Halesi via the Mid-Hills. This Highway leads to Dhankuta's Hile, but as it is still under construction. The journey of this route should be taken for rest, so we are now thinking of visiting Haleshi only. From Harkapur to Jayaram Ghat, we reach Haleshi. During the journey the narrow path, thirst, and physical pains make you forget the beautiful views of the flowing rivers and huge mountains.

               

The Haleshi Mahadeva is located in Lakuribhanjyang of Khotang district of eastern Nepal. This temple has been famous for Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirat devotees since ancient times. The Hindus call this temple the second Pashupatinath, Buddhists, the second Lumbini and it is also the primitive land for Kirats.

Buddhists consider Halesi to be the center of knowledge, friendship, and power.

Manjushree is worshiped as knowledge, Buddha as friendship, and Bajrapani as power. Halesidham is also the place where Guru Padmasambhava practiced immortality.

         According to the Shiva Purana of Halesi, which is also known as Dharmasthali and Tapasthali, Shivaji did penance for the welfare of the world. There is a belief that if Halesi Mahadev is worshiped properly, all sufferings will be alleviated, aspirations will be fulfilled and children will be born. Inside the cave of Halesi, amazing shapes can be seen. It is not only a sacred religious pilgrimage site but also one of the most amazing caves in the world. Even atheists will surely be reminded of the divine miracles and religious beliefs by the construction of this cave.

    There are three main caves in Halesi such as Mahadev Cave, Bhairab Cave, and Akash Darshan Cave. Each cave has its own character. Inside Mahadev's cave, there are Dharmadwar, Garbhadwar and Papadwar. King Grivan established the Halesi Guthi in 1816 and made copper plates to continue the worship of the temple.

Along with the natural beauty, the art of Lord Shiva is considered wonderful here.

        The Kirats worship nature and man here, remember their ancestors and worship Shiva. Buddhists meditate in caves, study scriptures, worship deities, wish for blessings. Halesi is a holy place of pilgrimage that encompasses all.

On the day of Valachaturdarshi, Shivaratri, and Guru Purnima, a special gathering of devotees takes place here.
''The land of God, the land of knowledge, is our civilization and the heritage of living a high life.''

Mahadeva Cave