A national-level Panini Tapobhumi Conference is set to be held to promote the sacred land where the world’s ancient Sanskrit grammar originated. It is believed that Maharshi Panini attained 14 grammatical sutras from Lord Shiva through intense penance at this site. To facilitate further study, promotion, and structural development, the conference has been organized, according to Romnath Neupane, Chief Administrative Officer of Panini Rural Municipality.
Scheduled for Chaitra 27 and 28, the conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The event is being jointly organized by the Lumbini Province Government, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transport, the Tourism Development Council, and the rural municipality. Several dignitaries, including Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, Provincial Minister of Industry and Tourism Prachanda Bikram Neupane, religious leaders, and Sanskrit scholars, will be present.
The event aims to attract global researchers and tourists interested in Sanskrit language and grammar to Panini Tapobhumi, increasing its international recognition. Executive Director of the Lumbini Province Tourism Development Council, Ramu Joshi, emphasized that this conference is not just an event but an opportunity to introduce Nepal’s glorious heritage to the world, potentially boosting tourism in the province.
Panini Tapobhumi, located on the border of Wards 1 and 2 of the rural municipality, is a key linguistic heritage site. Situated between Arghakhanchi and Palpa, it is also known for its natural beauty. Former Rural Municipality Chairperson Achyut Gautam stated that strong evidence supports the belief that Panini Rishi meditated here and formulated Sanskrit grammar. Despite being the birthplace of the world’s ancient language, the area remains under-promoted. Jeevan Narayan Koirala, Chief of the District Coordination Committee, urged global linguistic communities to contribute to its promotion.
