Bankatti Chowk is located in Thakurbaba Municipality of Bardiya District, under Nepal’s Lumbini Province. The history of its name is tied to local geography and the Tharu language. According to local resident Janaki Tharu, when settlement began in this area in early times, forest was cleared to build the village. In the Tharu language, forest is called “banwa.” Historically, it is believed that through a linguistic blend of “forest” (ban) and “the act of clearing forest” (katti), and subsequent linguistic corruption, this village’s name came to be “Bankatti.”

The distinguishing feature of this place is the historic Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple. Located near the buffer zone of Bardiya National Park, in a peaceful and green setting in Bankatti village, this temple is well known as one of the major religious and spiritual centers of this area.

The Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple of Bankatti Chowk

This Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple stands near the buffer zone of Bardiya National Park, in a peaceful, green setting. It is well known as one of the major religious and spiritual centers of Bankatti Chowk.

Historical Background and Legendary Beliefs

According to local elders and oral tradition, the history of this temple is quite old and fascinating.

In ancient times, an old Shiva lingam, or sacred stone, stood beneath a bael tree at this site. In earlier days, before going to visit the upper fair at Thakurdwara (Thakurbaba Temple), local residents and devotees would first offer water at this stone beneath the bael tree, as a mandatory ritual. Local residents of Bankatti and the surrounding area have maintained the tradition of coming to this site to worship and venerate Lord Shiva since ancient times.

Social and Religious Activities Run by the Temple

The Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple is not only a center of religious faith but is also active in social reform and the preservation of Sanatan (Hindu) culture. The temple’s grounds currently host the following notable activities:

Construction and Maintenance of a Cow Shelter

To manage stray cattle scattered throughout the Thakurbaba Municipality area, a cow shelter (gaushala) has been built on the temple grounds. Currently, between 400 and 500 cattle are being protected and housed here, linking both religion and social order together.

Gurukul Education and Ashram

With the aim of preserving Sanatan religion and culture, a gurukul school and ashram are operated under the temple’s supervision. Run with the support of the Government of Nepal, this ashram currently provides free education with accommodation to 17 students (batuks).

The Purpose of Moral and Value-Based Education

The main purpose of this gurukul is to provide education rooted in morality and values, which are increasingly being lost in today’s modern society. This education has proven highly effective in curbing the growing deviance and social ills in society and in keeping the younger generation away from bad habits and negative influences.

Major Festivals and Fairs

Various religious festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the year at this Jaleshwar Temple in Bankatti.

Maha Shivaratri

On the day of Shivaratri, thousands of devotees from Bardiya and the surrounding areas come here to offer water and to have darshan of Baba Jaleshwar.

Mondays of Shrawan (Bolbam)

On every Monday of the month of Shrawan, devotees chant “Bolbam” as they bring sacred water to anoint the Shiva lingam. A large fair is also held here on the great women’s festival of Teej and on Balachaturdashi, the day dedicated to scattering hundred grains in remembrance of deceased ancestors.

The Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple, located in Bankatti village of Thakurbaba Municipality, is not merely a temple — it is also a sacred school teaching cow protection, gurukul education, and moral values. Located in the lap of biodiversity-rich Bardiya, this historic site has become an outstanding example of religious tourism and social transformation.

Reference

Dhurba Lamsal: Chairperson, Mahadev Temple.