A significant religious discovery has been claimed at the ‘Dhaharedeural’ site, located at the confluence of Parbat and Syangja districts. A nearly 100-foot-tall semi-sculpture of Lord Bhairav has reportedly been found. The head of Lord Bhairav can be seen from a resting place (chautara) on the path leading from the ashram site at ‘Dhaharedeural’ to the Bhawani Temple.
A few days ago, a practitioner named Prakat Anand claimed to have seen Lord Bhairav facing north while in meditation at ‘Dhaharedeural’. Upon opening his eyes, he confirmed the sighting. He also mentioned seeing a gateway to liberation (Mokshadwar) and a cave in his meditative vision. According to Ananda, entering the Mokshadwar could lead to liberation. However, despite finding Lord Bhairav and the Mokshadwar, the cave has yet to be discovered, as stated by Deepak Shrestha, President of Shri Mokshadwar Balsiddha Yogashram.
Shrestha further explained that the site holds other religious symbols, including the head of a Kamadhenu cow facing north, a gateway to liberation, Lord Bhairav, Siddha Baba, and representations of Krishna, Hanuman, a lion, and Bhawani Durga’s footprint facing south, while a Jhakri Maharaj and an Ichchadhari snake face east and west, respectively.
Although Prakat Anand claimed the presence of a cave at ‘Dhaharedeural’, ongoing search efforts have not yet revealed such a cave.
This area has long been a site of religious significance, with sages, saints, and practitioners coming for centuries to worship, meditate, and practice yoga. The site was first recognized for its spiritual importance in 2043 BS (1986 AD) when a grand religious ceremony (Mahayagya) was organized under the leadership of Yogi Naraharinath. According to Pashupatyananda Giri, who has been preserving and performing rituals at the site since 2032 BS (1975 AD), a sacred flame brought from Muktinath during the Mahayagya continues to burn to this day.
‘Dhaharedeural’ is located approximately 63 kilometers from Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province. The route includes 57 kilometers of paved road and 6 kilometers of rough terrain. The site is situated at an elevation of around 2,259 meters above sea level.
According to the Skanda Purana, this mountain was a place of intense meditation, penance, and yoga for great sages in ancient times. The mountain is also known as ‘Nilkantha Parbat,’ and it spans the borders of Karkineta, Thapathana, and Bhangara in the Parbat district, and Aruchaur and Panchamul villages in the Syangja district.
The mountain has been referenced in Bhanu Bhakta’s “Ashwamedha Kanda” of the Valmiki Ramayana, which beautifully describes its significance. The religious importance of this mountain is further underscored by the reverence shown to ‘Dhaharedeural.’
The origin of the name ‘Dhaharedeural’ is tied to an interesting legend. According to writings by Yogi Naraharinath, the mountain was once the site of penance by Sage Dhahara, which led to its current name. The numerous caves in the area may have also contributed to its name.
This sacred site was the place of 37 years of intense penance by Brahmachari Shadanand Adhikari. According to ancient beliefs, childless couples who visit the site are blessed with children. The site is also popular for conducting special ceremonies such as weddings and sacred thread rituals. During festivals like Balachaturdashi, Chaite Dashain, Maha Shivaratri, Guru Purnima, and Bada Dashain, large crowds of devotees gather to perform rituals at this revered location.
