{"id":14838,"date":"2025-05-25T12:57:14","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T07:12:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saarang.com.np\/?post_type=stories&p=14838"},"modified":"2025-06-11T12:15:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T06:30:22","slug":"chillagadh-dham","status":"publish","type":"stories","link":"https:\/\/saarang.com.np\/story\/chillagadh-dham\/","title":{"rendered":"Chillagadh Dham"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Namaste! You are warmly welcomed to the sacred religious and touristic site of Chillagadh.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located approximately 3 kilometers southwest from the concrete bridge over the Kankai River\u2014the longest river bridge in Nepal\u2014at the confluence of Shivasatakshi Municipality and Kankai Municipality along the Asian Highway in Jhapa District, lies the sacred pilgrimage destination of Chillagadh Dham<\/strong>, nestled on the banks of the Kankai Mai River in Ward No. 9 of Shivasatakshi Municipality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This site, along with its historical pond, has emerged as a major spiritual and tourist destination\u2014drawing pilgrims from across Nepal, stretching from the eastern Mechi to the western Mahakali, and from the snow capped Himalayas to the southern plains of the Terai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legends<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Local legend claims that the pond known today as Chillagadh Pokhari<\/em> was dug during the Dwapar Yuga by King Virat to provide water for his cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


This site is revered not only by Hindus but also by the Kirat, indigenous communities, and devotees of all ethnic backgrounds. Due to its proximity to the Mai River, the water level in the pond slightly recedes during the months of Chaitra and Baisakh, but with the change in seasons, it refills naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Covering an area of one bigha, the square-shaped pond is surrounded by raised earthen walls of about 6 to 7 feet in height, giving it the appearance of a fortress. Curiously, no leaves or debris from the surrounding trees are ever seen floating on the pond’s surface. It is believed that a mysterious bird picks up any fallen material and removes it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


This pond, believed to be ancient, is home to fish of many varieties and houses a sacred tree submerged partially in water, where a turtle larger than a traditional rice winnow and a python are also said to reside. Occasionally, the turtles emerge at noon to bask in the sun. There are times when serpents rise from the pond, granting rare glimpses to those lucky enough to witness them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pilgrims often crowd the many temples of diverse ethnic faiths that surround the pond to perform religious rites. There is also a local belief that a sound, akin to the firing of a gun, is occasionally heard from the pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


In 2001 B.S. (circa 1944 A.D.), a massive Shiva Linga, discovered on the hilltop of Satakshidham, was installed in the Shiv Mandir of Chillagadh Pokhari. A statue of Mahaguru Falgunanda, complete with full iconography, also graces this sacred place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spiritual Importance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rooted in ancient religious traditions, this sacred site holds profound spiritual value. Chillagadh Dham is a sanctuary for spiritual seekers\u2014a place of peace and meditation.It is believed that spiritual activities performed here bring mental peace and material prosperity. The site\u2019s pristine natural beauty, serene environment, and cleanliness attract a large number of religious tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


The presence of the world\u2019s largest Vedic altar (bedi<\/em>) and fire pit (yagya kunda<\/em>), along with proximity to the other two dhams\u2014Satakshi Dham and Domukha Dham\u2014further elevate its spiritual significance. According to local lore, no pilgrimage is complete without visiting Chillagadh Dham along with the other two dhams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over five thousand years ago, the five Pandavas are believed to have built the massive Vedic altar and fire pit here, where thousands of Brahmin priests were called to perform grand yagyas.
Many temples and heritage sites in the vicinity\u2014such as Kichaka Vadh<\/em>, Arjundhara<\/em>, Birat King’s Palace<\/em>, and Birat Pokhari<\/em>\u2014hold mythological significance linked to the Mahabharata.
The presence of five naturally raised mounds resembling meditation seats (asana<\/em>) further reinforces the site’s religious and archaeological identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Surrounding the pond are five prominent earthen mounds, and the area was once covered by ancient trees, diverse flora, and a dense forest teeming with wildlife. Locals often came not only to appreciate the natural beauty but also to partake of fruits offered as sacred offerings. It is widely believed that visiting Chillagadh Dham brings relief from mental stress, resolves problems, and fulfills heartfelt wishes.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Attractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spanning 26 bighas, the massive altar built by the Pandavas and a 1-bigha fire pit enhance the site’s allure. The oldest manmade structure<\/strong> in the area is the temple of Bhagwati Maharani Mata<\/strong>, built in 2022 B.S. by three Maharani priestesses using only mud. The area is surrounded by an earthen embankment, and at its center lies a pond enclosed by another earthen ridge. The pond\u2019s ever-flowing sacred waters are seen as the source of the site’s divine power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temples like the Kirat Manghim Temple<\/em>, Shivalaya Temple<\/em>, Bhagwati Temple<\/em>, and Durga Devi Temple<\/em> enhance the sanctity and beauty of the Dham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Major festivals celebrated here include Udhauli<\/em> during Mangsir Purnima<\/em> and Ubhauli<\/em> on Baisakh Purnima<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Other significant events are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Shivaratri Mela<\/em> in Falgun<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ram Navami<\/em> in Chaitra<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Birth Anniversary of 16th National Luminary Mahaguru Falgunanda<\/em> on Kartik 25<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Guru Purnima<\/em> rituals at the Bhagwati Mata Temple performed by shamans and spiritual healers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Durga Puja<\/em> from Ghatasthapana<\/em> to Dashami<\/em> during Vijaya Dashami<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Monthly Kirat rituals<\/em> as per Mundhum<\/em> traditions at the Kirat Hangsama Manghim<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Krishna Janmashtami<\/em> celebrations featuring a depiction of Lord Krishna by the locals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    In 2026 B.S., a tree-planting initiative added sacred banyan<\/em> and peepal<\/em> trees to the area, and a shrine housing idols of Sita, Ram,<\/em> and Laxman<\/em> was established between them, where regular worship continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Transportation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Dham lies 4 km south of Maidhar in Shivasatakshi-9 and is accessible from Sangam Chowk on the Asian Highway.Public vehicles are readily available from Sangam Chowk and Milan Chowk. Visitors can also reach Chillagadh Dham via Birtamode, Surunga, and Maidhar after arriving at Bhadrapur Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Travel Duration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The well-paved Asian Highway makes travel convenient. From Sangam Chowk, it takes about 5 minutes by vehicle to reach the Dham.
    The site is popular among pilgrims for spiritual ceremonies, scenic observation, picnics, and even film shooting. It is open year-round for visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Important Guidelines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Visitors receive free services<\/strong> at this sacred site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For rituals such as weddings, ancestral offerings (pind daan<\/em>), bratabandha<\/em>, rudri path<\/em>, and others, the Chillagadh Dham Main Management Committee<\/strong> provides religious figures from different traditions\u2014pandits, shamans, spiritual leaders<\/em>, and priestesses<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No activity that violates the Committee’s guidelines and dignity is allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Smoking, alcohol consumption, and animal sacrifice are strictly prohibited in the temple complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


    Prior permission from the Management Committee is required before initiating any new activity within the premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Shishir Tumbapo<\/em> (Story Collection), Chairperson \u2013 Chillagadh Religious and Touristic Site<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Tulsa Devi Karki<\/em> (Story Collection), Priestess \u2013 Chillagadh Religious and Touristic Site<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Nepali language voice: Shobha Adhikari; Nepali language voiceover artist<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Limbu language voice: Bishnu Maya Singak (Working at Radio Nepal Dhankuta and Gorkhapatra.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n