The sacred and historic Kaligandaki Pilgrimage Trek has officially begun from Devghat, one of Nepal’s most revered religious sites. The journey commenced this morning from Benisangam, located in Ward No. 5 of Devghat Rural Municipality, following a special Aarati and Puja held on the eve of the departure.
Devghat Unveils Historic Kaligandaki Pilgrimage Route
This spiritual trek aims to reach the sacred source of the Kaligandaki River, Damodarkunda, in the Himalayas, emphasizing the importance of protecting the river’s cultural and ecological legacy. The pilgrimage will span 431 kilometers, passing through the plains, hills, and high mountains over a 25-day period.
Phanindra Prasad Paudel, the principal of Mahesh Sanskrit Gurukul and coordinator of the trek, said that the pilgrimage is designed to reawaken Nepal’s national pride, cultural values, and traditional Sanatan identity, both within the country and internationally. “This historic Kaligandaki Yatra seeks to promote the heritage of the nation and rekindle the self-respect of Nepali society rooted in ancient culture and spirituality,” he noted.
The trek is being led by revered saints from Mahesh Sannyas Ashram, including Swami Madhusudanand Giri and Swami Ramanand Giri, along with spiritual leaders from Galeshwar Ashram and Harihar Sannyas Ashram.
The Kaligandaki River, originating from the world’s highest mountain range, is considered one of the holiest rivers in the world. It flows through Nepal’s mid-hills, nourishing its land and preserving human civilization for millennia. Along its banks, diverse cultures, lifestyles, and spiritual practices have thrived for thousands of years.
Significantly, the Kaligandaki is the only river in the world where Shaligrams, sacred stones regarded as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are naturally found, adding to its spiritual and mythological value. Ancient scriptures describe the Kaligandaki as a Devanadi (divine river), and countless sages have meditated on its shores, treating it as a center of spiritual wisdom and reflection.
In addition to its religious and mythological importance, the Kaligandaki region is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and traditional mountain life. It is seen as a living repository of Nepal’s cultural and ecological heritage. The area also holds immense untapped potential for tourism, which could significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
Driven by the vision and dedication of Swami Ramanand Giri Ji Maharaj, the current spiritual head of Mahesh Sannyas Ashram, the trek reflects a deep commitment to honoring, preserving, and promoting Nepal’s unique civilizational values and spiritual essence.
