Final preparations have been completed for the Kali Gandaki Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey from Devghat in Tanahun to the sacred source of the Kali Gandaki River, Damodar Kunda, with the core mission of preserving the existence of the holy river and reviving Nepal’s ancient spiritual heritage.
Pilgrimage Trek from Devghat
Under the guiding principle “Reverence for Nature, Culture, and Civilization – Kali Gandaki Pilgrimage as a Spiritual Devotion”, the 25-day journey will commence on Thursday at 7:30 AM from Devghat. The pilgrimage is expected to conclude after four weeks of walking through the diverse terrains of the Terai, hills, and Himalayas, covering a distance of 431 kilometers.
This evening, a special “Gandaki Puja” and grand Aarti will be conducted at the confluence of Beni, according to coordinator Phanindra Prasad Paudel, Principal of Mahesh Sanskrit Gurukulam in Devghat.
The historic pilgrimage is organized with the noble aim of reviving Nepal’s national identity, spiritual values, and Sanatan heritage, while introducing the world to the deep-rooted cultural pride and glory of the Nepali people, both at home and abroad. The journey is being undertaken under the initiative of Mahesh Sannyas Ashram Devghat Dham, which is institutionally devoted to promoting Nepali traditions and national pride.
The pilgrimage will witness the participation of revered saints from Mahesh Sannyas Ashram, including Sant Madhusudanand Giri and Ramanand Giri, along with spiritual leaders from Galeshwar Ashram, Harihar Sannyas Ashram, and representatives from prominent temples and monasteries across Nepal and India.
According to Paudel, the concept and leadership behind the pilgrimage are deeply inspired by Swami Ramanand Giri Ji Maharaj, the current spiritual head of Mahesh Sannyas Ashram, who is committed to honoring and promoting Nepal’s cultural dignity and civilizational wisdom.
The Kali Gandaki River, which originates from one of the world’s greatest mountain ranges, flows through central Nepal and is regarded as one of the holiest rivers on earth. It is along this sacred river that thousands of years of human civilization have flourished. Its banks have long served as a cradle of life, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge.
Significantly, Shaligrams, considered the divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu, are found only in this river, which has led ancient scriptures to venerate the Kali Gandaki as a “Devnadi” (divine river). For millennia, sages and ascetics have meditated and practiced spiritual discipline along its banks, turning the region into a center of learning and enlightenment.
In addition to its religious and mythological significance, the Kali Gandaki region is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, vibrant mountain culture, and immense tourism potential. The pilgrimage not only strengthens spiritual and cultural bonds but also highlights the possibility of sustainable tourism development grounded in Sanatan values.
