A mysterious and little-known well in Tansen Municipality-11, Bandipokhara, locally known as Jogipani Well, remains in obscurity despite holding a centuries-old belief: that its water can help speech-impaired children speak.
Locals firmly believe that children who have difficulty speaking or have not yet begun to speak will begin to do so after drinking water from the well. The water is said to possess mystical powers, attributed to a legend passed down through generations.
According to local elder Bhunkumari Gahatraj, the story dates back to ancient times when a wandering yogi, while on a pilgrimage, was stranded in Samakot due to nightfall. Extremely thirsty and unable to find a water source or any shelter nearby, he is believed to have struck the ground with his tongs, causing water to spring forth. The yogi quenched his thirst and blessed the spring, saying that children who drank its water would gain the ability to speak. Since then, the well has been called Jogipani (meaning “Yogi’s water”).
Over time, locals constructed a proper well on that very spot, and faith in its powers has endured for generations. Many still travel from across Nepal and even from India with hope, believing the water can help their children speak.
Although science has yet to confirm any medical basis for this phenomenon, the belief persists strongly among the people. Professor Chandra Bahadur Thapa, Assistant Campus Chief and Biology Lecturer at Tribhuvan Multiple Campus in Palpa acknowledges the cultural belief but states that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the water enables speech. “Physical development can vary, but attributing speech development solely to water has no scientific basis. A detailed study is needed to uncover the truth,” he said.
Due to a lack of promotion, many remain unaware of the well’s existence. Still, those who know about it often collect water in bottles and take it home. Some even return to offer prayers and thanks after witnessing positive changes in their children. Local Kamala Gahatraj shared her personal experience her daughter, who could not speak until the age of eight or ten, began speaking clearly after drinking the well’s water.
Despite the strong beliefs, the Jogipani Well has faced challenges. Road expansion projects once threatened its existence, but a new water tank has been constructed below the road level to preserve its use. However, there’s minimal signage and no significant awareness campaigns to promote the site.
Locals say the well’s water is like a “life-giving herb” but feel that lack of publicity has left this natural and cultural treasure hidden. Journalist Prakash Nepal believes the site could become a tourism asset if the local government steps in. “If the water’s uniqueness is researched and its story told, it could attract both domestic and international tourists, creating a new source of income,” he said.
Yadav Singh Karki, ward chairperson of Tansen Municipality–11, confirmed that the local government is working to protect and promote Jogipani Well. “The cultural belief tied to this place is strong, and we are prioritizing its preservation. We also plan to explore its religious and scientific value in the coming days,” he stated. While the legend of Jogipani lives on through word of mouth and local faith, it remains one of Nepal’s many hidden gems rich in culture, belief, and untapped tourism potential.
