A massive influx of devotees has been observed at the revered Shree 108 Dugdheshwar Mahadev Temple, located within the protected area of Parsa National Park, as the annual Shrawan Mela gains full momentum. The temple, nestled amid the serene forested hills of Bhatha Dham, becomes a major center of pilgrimage during the month of Shrawan, with the highest turnout occurring on Mondays, known as Shrawan Somwar, when Lord Shiva is especially venerated.
According to Alakhdev Prasad Tharu, Chairperson of the Bhatha Dham Conservation Committee, the flow of devotees had already begun increasing from Sunday afternoon. He reported that many pilgrims, particularly from the neighboring Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, arrived in groups, often traveling in tractor convoys and other rural vehicles. “By Sunday evening, the arrival of devotees surged significantly, and since early Monday morning, long queues have formed as people line up patiently for a glimpse of Lord Shiva and to perform rituals,” he said.
Overnight Worship and Massive Crowds Seen on Shrawan Mondays
Chairman Tharu noted that some devotees arrive as early as Sunday night, engaging in night-long devotional singing and prayers. These pilgrims often perform jalabhishek, the offering of holy water, to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at dawn before returning home. “Our dharmashala alone can accommodate over 1,000 pilgrims,” he said, emphasizing the scale of the temple’s popularity.
Gyanlal Patel, Chairperson of the Dugdheshwar Mahadev Mela Management Committee, revealed that nearly 75% of the devotees attending the mela are from India. “The deep devotion and belief that one’s wishes are fulfilled after visiting the temple lead to intense competition among the faithful to arrive and worship,” he stated. Patel added that the committee has arranged for temporary accommodations, tents, toilets, and drinking water to manage the surge in visitors throughout the month-long festival.
Spiritual Devotion Amidst Logistical Challenges and Lack of Government Support
Despite the spiritual significance and rising footfall, Chairman Patel expressed disappointment over the lack of support from elected officials. “Although there are five ministers representing Parsa district at the federal and provincial levels, we have yet to receive meaningful assistance for developing the religious infrastructure of Bhatha Dham,” he lamented. “Even though we initiated the construction of a modern dharmashala, it remains incomplete due to insufficient funds. Electricity and clean drinking water are still in short supply, but no one has stepped up to address these basic needs.”
The Dugdheshwar Mahadev Temple is perched atop a scenic ridge in the Chure hills, surrounded by dense jungle and four-kilometer-wide scrubland. Accessible only through a narrow forest path within Parsa National Park, the temple stands on elevated ground near a river, offering an awe-inspiring natural setting for worship.
On Monday, the situation was particularly intense. Chairman Patel stated that over 100,000 pilgrims were expected to visit the temple in a single day. Managing the flow of such large numbers, especially within a forested and ecologically sensitive area, remains a formidable task for the organizing committee.
Local Government Lends Limited Support for Infrastructure
Dinesh Kumar Chaudhary, Chairperson of Portewa Sugauli Rural Municipality, acknowledged the mela’s significance and shared that the local government has been working to support the event by installing temporary toilets and maintaining the access roads. “This temple is a symbol of our faith and culture. It is high time that we all join hands to preserve and promote this sacred heritage,” he said.
Pilgrims arrive in large numbers using various modes of transportation, including four-wheelers, motorcycles, tractors, and even on foot. Due to the temple’s location inside a protected national park, access is restricted, the road leading to the temple is closed after 7:00 p.m. daily to avoid human-wildlife conflict and reopened at 6:00 a.m. the following morning. Outside the Shrawan season, travel to the site is generally prohibited.
Faith, Fulfillment, and Pilgrimage Drive Devotees from Near and Far
One such devotee, Bishnu Devi from Jagannathpur Rural Municipality in Parsa, visited the temple on Sunday and shared her strong belief in the divine power of Mahadev. “I have come here with the faith that Lord Shiva fulfills the wishes of sincere devotees,” she said.
The Dugdheshwar Mahadev Temple, located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from Birgunj, is increasingly becoming a symbol of spiritual unity between Nepal and India. Its rising popularity during Shrawan has underscored both the deep-rooted cultural faith of the people and the urgent need for infrastructural development to support this sacred pilgrimage site. As the month progresses, organizers expect even larger crowds, reiterating the temple’s enduring appeal and spiritual significance.
