Every year on the Bhadra Krishna Panchami, the ritual of Kolmati Ghat Snan is observed with great reverence. This year, devotees gather at the Kolmati Ghat in Danchi, located in Kageshwari Municipality-4, to participate in the holy bath.
According to the Skanda Purana, specifically in the Himavat Khand (Nepal Mahatmya), it is believed that bathing at the Kolmati Ghat on this auspicious day washes away sins and bestows immense spiritual merit. The Nepal Mahatmya, in its 128th chapter, describes the significance of Kolmati Ghat along the Bagmati River, highlighting that a bath and worship at this sacred site on Bhadra Krishna Panchami is said to be as rewarding as performing crores of Go-Dan (the donation of cows).
The river Kolmati, also known as Kol, is said to have originated from the Shwetbarahi, and it merges with the Bagmati River at the Kolmati Ghat. Pandit Balmukunda Devkota explains that the confluence of these rivers, where Kolmati and Bagmati meet, is called Kolmati Ghat.
Adding to its spiritual significance, the Kolmati River further merges with the Chailmati at this location, forming the revered Triveni Ghat. Ancient texts mention that when Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, received water from Brahma, some of it fell on a cloth, giving the name Chailmati to this river. Over time, the name evolved, and the river is now also known as Chaulmati. The rock where Brahma offered water to Lord Vishnu in his Vamana form is still worshipped today as Chaulnarayan.
Just above the Kolmati Ghat, the Kolmateshwar Mahadev Temple is situated, along with Nepal’s first Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple, which was recently constructed through the efforts of Ruru Peethadheesh Swami Jagadish Prapannacharya. Since the temple’s construction, both domestic and international religious tourists have been flocking to this sacred site, adding to its religious and cultural significance.
