Halesi Mahadev Tour

Halesi Mahadev, often referred to as Pashupatinath of the East, is a renowned temple located in eastern Nepal, in the Khotang district. Situated at an altitude ranging from 3,100 to 4,734 feet above sea level, it is nestled between two significant rivers, the Dudh Kosi on the right and the Sun Kosi on the west. This temple, known as Halesi Mahadev, is a revered site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirant followers. It is approximately 215 kilometers east of Kathmandu Valley.

The temple complex features stunning caves, with the main Halesi Temple situated atop a small hill, surrounded by several smaller magnificent caves. Inside the primary cave, you will find an image of Lord Shiva that holds deep significance and adds to the allure of the temple.

The site holds significance for three different religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Kirat. For Hindus, Halesi Mahadev is worshipped as the great god of all gods and goddesses, known as Devadidev. The founder of the Kirat religion is believed to have originated from this place, making it sacred to Kirat people. Buddhists also revere Halesi, considering it one of their six major pilgrimage sites.

Halesi Mahadev is steeped in legends and beliefs. It is believed that various ascetics, including those from the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, Buddhists, and other ascetics, have achieved salvation through meditation at this holy site. Buddhists visit Halesi in the hope of gaining ten more years of life span and achieving salvation.

For Buddhists, Halesi is called "Marathi" in Tibetan, signifying a chariot leading towards good deeds, from misdeeds to reality, sin to justice, and ultimately salvation. The temple is situated about 300 feet below the surface level, accessible through a cave entrance. Inside the cave, you can observe images of various deities, including Lord Shiva (Shivalinga), Pashupatinath, Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar, Laxmi, Saraswoti, Durge Bhawani, and more. The 2-foot-tall Shivalinga inside the cave is said to extend up to the Vasaha cave, with water flowing beneath it. A cow's udder-like hill above the Shivalinga is revered as Kamadenu Cow, believed to milk the Shivalinga. It is said that milk used to flow from this spot in ancient times.

The temple complex is surrounded by five gates, known as Swargadwar, Dharmadwar, Paapdwar, Janmadwar, and Karmadwar. It is believed that entering and exiting through these gates can lead to salvation. Pious individuals can easily pass through all the gates except Swargadwar, while sinners are believed to be unable to enter even after numerous attempts.

In the vicinity of Halesi Mahadev, you will also find the Ganesh Temple and Boudha Monastery. The temple complex features a ritualistic practice known as the Pancha Upachar Pooja, performed by an unmarried boy from the Mahanta, Giri caste. People of various faiths visit Halesi, seeking blessings for a longer life, good health, children, wealth, and the fulfillment of their wishes.

The temple also has a historical connection, with a copper plate (Tamrapatra) and bells (Ghanta) gifted by King Girvad Bir Bikram Shah in the year 1861. Another cave known as Vasaha Cave extends for about 6 meters. This cave features a stone referred to as Nandi or Bull, believed to be the bone of the vanquished demon Bhirkhasur. A Sankha (blowing conch shell) found in the cave is believed to be the Gauri Sankha of Lord Vishnu, which he used to blow after defeating Bhirkhasur.

The Halesi Mahadev temple complex is renowned for its rich history, cultural significance, and the incredible legends that surround it. It continues to attract pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers from far and wide, offering them an opportunity to explore the depths of this unique and sacred site.

What Halesi Mahadev is famous for?

Halesi Mahadev, also referred to as Halesi Temple or Haleshi Mahadev Temple, is a renowned religious and pilgrimage site situated in the Khotang district of eastern Nepal. There are several reasons for its renowned status.

Halesi Mahadev holds great religious significance as it is regarded as one of the most sacred shrines in Nepal. This holy site is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a highly revered deity in the Hindu religion. This temple is believed to be one of the Pashupatinath temples, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple complex is truly one-of-a-kind as it is located within a captivating series of natural caves nestled in the hilly terrain. Pilgrims visit these caves in order to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. It is believed that one of the caves bears a resemblance to the shape of a cow, which holds great religious significance in Hinduism. Halesi Mahadev is a renowned pilgrimage destination that attracts both local and international pilgrims. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and neighboring countries, such as India, are drawn to this sacred site. Pilgrims visit this place to engage in religious rituals, meditation, and find spiritual solace.

The site has connections to both mythological and historical events. According to belief, the Pandavas, who are characters from the Indian epic Mahabharata, are said to have visited these caves during their period of exile. Moreover, according to Hindu mythology, the caves are believed to be the very location where Lord Shiva sought refuge to escape from the demon Bhasmasur. This tale adds another layer of significance to the caves.

Religious Festivals: Halesi Mahadev attracts a significant number of devotees, particularly during various religious festivals, with Shivaratri being one of the most prominent ones. Shivaratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm at the temple complex.

Halesi Mahadev is not only a place of religious significance but also a popular tourist attraction, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty and the one-of-a-kind cave environment it offers. The area provides ample opportunities for trekking and exploration.

Halesi Mahadev is renowned for its religious, mythological, and historical importance, as well as its exceptional natural setting within caves. This combination makes it a highly significant destination for pilgrims and a culturally significant site in Nepal.

The best time to visit Halesi Mahadev

The best time to visit Halesi Mahadev in eastern Nepal is during the spring and autumn seasons. During these months, you can expect favorable weather conditions and a pleasant environment for your visit.

Spring, which spans from March to May, is widely regarded as one of the most favorable seasons to visit Halesi Mahadev. The weather is typically clear and warm, accompanied by blooming flowers and lush greenery, which enhances the beauty of the surroundings. This region experiences a high demand for pilgrimages and tourism during this season.

Autumn, which spans from September to November, is another fantastic time to visit Halesi Mahadev. The weather is currently stable, offering clear skies, mild temperatures, and comfortable conditions for exploring both the temple complex and the surrounding area. Additionally, this time of year is widely recognized for its numerous festivals and cultural celebrations.

Although spring and autumn are highly recommended times to visit, it is worth noting that Halesi Mahadev can be visited throughout the year. The monsoon season, which occurs from June to August, brings abundant rainfall and vibrant greenery to the region. However, it is important to note that road conditions during this time can be difficult due to the heavy rainfall. During the winter months, specifically from December to February, the weather tends to be considerably cold, particularly at higher elevations. Nevertheless, if you are adequately prepared for lower temperatures, visiting during this time can still be quite rewarding.

Please be aware that Halesi Mahadev holds great importance as a pilgrimage site for people from different faiths. It is worth noting that certain periods of the year may experience higher levels of crowding due to religious and cultural festivities. If you plan your visit during the spring or autumn seasons, you can enjoy pleasant weather and fully experience the cultural significance of the site without having to deal with extreme weather conditions.