Chhimkeshwari, the elder goddess

Chhimkeshwari, the elder goddess

Chhamakeshwari is located in the northern part of Tanahun, a mountainous district of the Mahabharata range. The temple living in Chhimakeshwari is built on a hill at an altitude of 2,134 meters above sea level. Religious, cultural and natural heritage-rich district Tanhuan can only be the attraction of Chhamkeshwari.

According to legend, the goddess Chhamakeshwari is the elder sister of Manamna in the Gorkha and Akala Mai in Tanhu. Although it may not be as popular as the two, Chhimakeshwari gathers a significant number of his devotees at his doorstep in search of his blessings. An ancient idol is situated in one corner of the temple. The statue, legends say, symbolizes the power of Chhimakeshwari as the great goddess. Chhimakeshwari was understood to know the fact that his two younger sisters accepted the sacrifice of pigs and ducks as offerings. In retaliation, Chhimakeshwari Mai lay on the floor refusing to see her sisters. The idol is therefore a symbol of her power and today she reminds of the goddess. Chimkeshwari Devi herself receives only the sacrifices of goats and pigeons as offerings.

Although most known for the Chhamakeshwari temple, the area is not just for Hindu devotees. The area is rich in nature and culture. The Chhimakeshwari hill is flanked on three sides by the rivers Trishuli, Mangalyangadi and Seti. The hill itself sees almost all the mountains on the north side and the hills rising down towards the south. The hill also makes for a spectacular view of the rising and setting sun.

Small towns in the foothills of Chhimakeshwari such as Abukhaireni, Bandipur, Dumre, Bimalnagar and Satara Saya, and various villages such as Hlekhrakara, Labadi, Aklang, Bhange, Dharampani and Ramkot, are known for different culture and lifestyles. Of the local people.  Locals occasionally perform native dances such as Kaur, Jhayure, Ghatu, Lakhe, Taimacha and Sorathi. Recently, the locals want to develop the region economically and as a tourist destination to promote these centuries old cultures. Community homestays have been established in Hilekharka and Chimkeshwari villages. Locals are reducing their chances of building houses in settlements like Aklang, Bhange and Abu. Most of the local farmers here grow crops like millet, buckwheat, wheat, maize; These food crops are a staple in their diet and are the highlight of the food served to their guests.

If you are a lover of nature, then Chhimakeshwari is amazing. It is one of the ten destinations in Tanahun that were selected by the provincial government for Visit Nepal 2020. The forests of the region are home to wildlife like deer, bears, leopards and butterflies. In summer, rhododendrons and sunglasses color the forests in different shades of red. But here everything is not lush. The region lacks infrastructure and facilities like communication, electricity and drinking water. But Batu Gurung, president of the Hilekharaka community homestay, said he believed Chhimakeshwari's natural and religious heritage belonged to him.

"We like to believe that our culture, lifestyle and arts make up for the lack of infrastructure," Gurung said. "This is what Homestay wants to promote among visitors." Gurung said that the purpose of the homestay goes beyond providing food and lodging facilities to visitors. "What we want to do is to return the local youth to the villages," he said. For this, we need to promote and sell our natural and cultural heritage. Since most of the youth are away, we are already facing a crisis. We believe that Homestay will play an important role in creating employment opportunities. "

Sunaram Gurung, head of ward number 6 of Abukhaireni Rural Municipality, shared this sentiment. The migration of youth to foreign employment has stunted the progress of the area, he says. Gurung said, "Arable land is left barren, and we don't yet have a lot of infrastructure to develop." "But we have not lost hope. Our aim is to create employment opportunities and prevent migration. Exploring our potential in the tourism sector will definitely help. Besides, we have a rich resource of herbs and vegetables. , Which we can create marketing and job opportunities. "

The temple itself is undergoing renovation. It is being built after the famous Mannama temple, according to Panch Bahadur Gurung, head of Abukhaireni Rural Municipality, Ward No. 5, "We know that geographical foresight is preventing many devotees from visiting the temple, but to build cable cars There are plans. Convenience, "he said." If it is physical, it can give a huge boost to the tourism potential of the region. "

Despite the huge potential, Chhimakeshwari is in the shadows today. Harisingh Gurung, president of local tourism organization Sampada Nepal, says that the effort of the locals is probably not enough to get Jhikeshwari out of sleep. "If that happens, Chhimakeshwari could be one of the most prominent tourist areas in the region."