Bandipur, a prominent tourist destination in Tanahun, marked the historic Kharga Jatra today in celebration of Fulpati, the seventh day of the Dashain festival. This annual event is traditionally held at the Kharga Devi Temple in Bandipur Rural Municipality-4, where a large number of locals from different wards gather to participate.
According to Kisan Pradhan, the president of the Bandipur Newa: Puch, the tradition of celebrating Kharga Jatra during Fulpati has been ongoing for over 300 years. He noted, “On Fulpati, it has been customary to display the Kharga (sword) of King Mukunda Sen at the Kharga Devi Temple and parade it around the town.”
The event sees active participation from various communities residing in Bandipur, including Newar, Magar, Brahmin, and Dalit groups, who all come together to take part in the rituals and festivities at the temple. The sword of Goddess Kharga, used in the procession, is adorned with jewels that were donated by Master Duvachabrahma Upadhyay in 1819 (B.S. 1876). The establishment of a Guthi to manage the temple’s offerings and rituals dates back to 1916 (B.S. 1916), as mentioned in the book Tanahun by Dilliram Mishra.
Kharga Jatra draws immense attention as a special fair is organized at the Kharga Devi Temple every year on Fulpati. The ceremonial procession of the sword through the streets of Bandipur involves people from all communities, underscoring the temple’s cultural and religious significance. Anandman Joshi, chairman of the Kharga Devi Temple Management Committee, highlighted that the participation of people from different ethnic groups is a key aspect of the event.
The origins of the Kharga Devi Temple are steeped in history and religious folklore. King Mukunda Sen of Palpa, a devout follower of the goddess and a prominent figure in the 15th century, is believed to have conducted deep meditation at Mukuś Hill, west of Bandipur, which later became known as Mukundeshwari Hill. The sword of King Mukunda Sen, which was used in his territorial expansion, is said to have been consecrated as a symbol of divine power at the temple, giving it the name Kharga Devi Temple.
This temple is not only one of the oldest and most historically significant heritage sites in Bandipur, but it also serves as a symbol of cultural unity among different ethnic communities. The temple is revered as a Shakti Peeth and is regarded as the Ishtadevata (patron deity) of the people of Bandipur.
A fascinating legend associated with the temple involves the sword given to King Mukunda Sen by Lord Shiva. It is believed that the king left the sword at a Brahmin’s house before taking samadhi (final meditation) at Devghat. The sword, according to the tale, transformed into a snake and circled the house, leading to religious rituals. Eventually, it is said that the sword took flight and landed at Bandipur Hill, where it manifested as Kharga Devi through a divine message from Lord Shiva, cementing its place in Bandipur’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The Kharga Jatra remains a vital celebration of Bandipur’s rich history, serving as a focal point for religious devotion, cultural identity, and community unity during the Dashain festival.
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