A historic religious pilgrimage along the Kaligandaki River, stretching from the sacred site of Devghatdham to the revered Damodarkunda, is set to begin on Jestha 22. The 431-kilometer journey, organized under the coordination of the Mahesh Sanyas Ashram in Devghat, will follow the sacred Shaligram Corridor, a route rich in spiritual, cultural, and natural significance.
Devghat to Damodarkunda
According to Phanindra Prasad Paudel, Principal of Mahesh Sanskrit Gurukul and coordinator of the pilgrimage, the journey aims to promote the religious and ecological importance of the Kaligandaki River at the grassroots level. The march will also highlight and work towards the preservation and promotion of ancient pilgrimage sites, spiritual heritage, and the broader Kaligandaki civilization. The event will be led by sadhus, saints, and spiritual activists from major spiritual centers and ashrams of Nepal and India.
The pilgrimage is expected to span 22 to 25 days, covering elevations ranging from 220 meters above sea level at Devghat to 4,990 meters at Damodarkunda, offering a blend of spiritual devotion and challenging trekking.
The initiative is not only a religious journey but also an effort to promote Kaligandaki as a corridor of faith, heritage, and tourism. Key highlights of the trek include worship and darshan at sacred sites associated with Shaligram, revered black ammonite stones found only in the Kaligandaki River, considered manifestations of Lord Vishnu.
The event seeks to raise awareness about the spiritual, cultural, and ecological value of Kaligandaki and aims to contribute to the promotion of religious and natural tourism, while also continuing the tradition of spiritual practices and cultural storytelling tied to this ancient river valley.
