Devotees throng Pindeshwar temple [In Pictures]

ITAHARI: The Pindeshwar Babadham Temple in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-14 sees a massive influx of devotees on Mondays during the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August).

Thousands of pilgrims from across Nepal and neighbouring India visit the temple to worship Lord Shiva. Devotees collect holy water from the Saptakoshi River in Barahakshetra and offer it to the idol of Lord Shiva at the temple. Many walk barefoot for over 20 kilometres from Saptakoshi to Dharan, chanting “Bol Bam” throughout the journey.

Pindeshwar is revered as an ancient temple. According to local scholar Prem Prasad Parajuli, the temple is mentioned in 18 chapters of the Skanda Purana. “This is a mythologically significant site, believed to be the origin of Rudraksha beads,” he said. “If Pindeshwar had no historical importance, the Kumbh Mela would never have been held in Chatara. This place embodies the essence of Amrit, which is why it hosts the Kumbh Mela.”