The Rihar Dham believed to be over 500 years old and located in Lamahi Municipality-9, Dang, has become a place of concern due to its declining footfall. Although the area witnesses large crowds during the annual Maghi Mela, it remains largely deserted throughout the rest of the year.
The number of daily visitors to the temple has dwindled to just one or two, with locals expressing their worries over the lack of attention to such a historically and religiously significant site. The Maghe Sankranti festival is the major event that draws pilgrims, many of whom travel from India, seeking blessings for family prosperity and the health of their livestock. A unique tradition during the fair involves carrying heavy stones (known as Bhauri) to demonstrate strength while circumambulating the temple.
Rihar Dham holds deep religious importance as it is believed to be a place where sages meditated during the Dwapar Yuga. The site is home to several temples, including those dedicated to Bagar Baba, Bhaine Parshu, Mamisauri, Baraha Jhakri, Ganesh, and Shiva. Despite these structures, daily visits remain low, worrying residents.
To boost tourism, a park is currently being built at the cost of NPR 10 million. However, locals, such as Samjhana Chaudhary, have voiced their concerns: “Only two or three people come here in a day, sometimes none at all.” The historical significance and the expansion of structures have not yet attracted the expected level of tourism.
Historically, Rihar Dham is said to date back thousands of years, with legends stating that cowherds offered milk to Bagar Baba in this area during the Dwapar Yuga. Spanning an area of 100 hectares, the dham is located along both sides of the highway, making it accessible for visitors. Worshippers believe that offering prayers to Bagar Baba brings blessings in the form of children and wealth.
Rihar Dham is considered the cultural heritage of the Yadav community, as they regard it as their ancestral site. Bagar Baba is revered by the Yadav people, and the area holds deep cultural significance for them. Additionally, the Tharu community has a longstanding connection with Rihar Dham. They have been offering prayers and grazing cattle in the region since ancient times, further solidifying the cultural importance of the site.
The Dham is shared by both the Yadav and Tharu communities, making it a cultural landmark for both groups. According to local legends, Lord Krishna once visited the area to mediate a dispute involving King Dangisharan and the Yadavs over a horse. The site also features a Taptakund (hot spring) that flows continuously and other religious landmarks such as the Mama-Bhanji temple and a location where ghee was spilled.
Despite these attractions, Rihar Dham has failed to draw in tourists as expected, which locals like Chaudhary find disappointing. They hope that with better promotion and infrastructure, the site can attract more visitors and regain its historical prominence.
