Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey has stressed the need to develop the Chhabdi Barahi area in Tanahun as a prominent religious tourism destination. During his visit to the Chhabdi Barahi Temple located in Byas Municipality–14, Chief Minister Pandey called for joint efforts to promote the religious significance of the region and enhance its tourism appeal.
During his visit today, Chief Minister Pandey held discussions with officials of the Chhabdi Barahi Development Fund. He expressed the provincial government’s commitment to support the promotion of this important religious site. Prem Bahadur Thapa, Chairman of the Development Fund, briefed the Chief Minister about the temple’s history and religious significance.
According to Chairman Thapa, there is a popular belief that Jaladevi resides in the form of a golden-forehead fish in the sacred pond of Chhabdi Barahi. Devotees believe that bathing in the Chhabdi pond and worshipping with devotion can absolve them of sins and fulfill their wishes. Thousands of fish in the stream outside the temple are also considered spiritually significant.
The temple is served by three priests from the Magar community. Except for the months of Shrawan, Ekadashi, and Aunsi, animal sacrifices are regularly offered at the temple. Local beliefs hold that worship at the temple brings the fulfillment of heartfelt desires.
Last year, more than 500,000 devotees visited the temple for worship and sightseeing, according to Chairman Thapa. The temple attracted pilgrims from 65 districts across the country. Recently, the temple was reconstructed and has become more visually appealing to visitors.
The reconstruction of the temple was completed at a total cost of NPR 7 million, with NPR 2.4 million provided by the Gandaki Province Government and NPR 4.6 million contributed from the internal funds of the Chhabdi Barahi Development Fund. Devotees offer sacrifices of ducks, pigeons, goats, and buffaloes as part of their worship.
Attractions within the Chhabdi Barahi temple complex include the original temple structure, a unique fish-mouth-shaped water spout, a pond full of fish, and a statue of Matsyagandha situated in the middle of the pond.
Nepali Army Commended for Historical Preservation through Integration March
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pandey also acknowledged the crucial role of the Nepali Army in preserving national history. He welcomed the participants of the Gorkha–Jitgadhi Unification March, initiated by the Nepali Army, during a special program in Damauli today.
“The march reminds us of Nepal’s unification journey how it started, how it progressed, and how the people of Gorkha supported their king in the mission to unite the country,” said Chief Minister Pandey. He urged local governments to support the initiative and assist the unification march.
Byas Municipality Mayor Baikuntha Neupane expressed happiness in welcoming the march in Tanahun, stating that Prithvi Narayan Shah’s unification campaign should be a subject of study for the present generation. During the event, both the Chief Minister and Mayor Neupane handed over the national flag to the marching team.
The unification march, which began in Gorkha, has reached Damauli via Bhanu and Tanahunsur (Byas Municipality–11). In a ceremony held today in Tanahunsur, the marching team led by the Ruru Bhairavdal Battalion from Bhanu handed over the unification flag to the Kalibhanjan Battalion (E).
From Tanahunsur, the Kalibhanjan Battalion (E) will lead the march to Dhenung in Ghiring Rural Municipality. At Dhenung Deurali, the flag will be handed over to Shree No. 3 Rajdal Battalion, informed Major Basanta Karki, Commander of Kalibhanjan Battalion.
From Dhenung Deurali, the march will proceed to Keladighat, where the flag will be passed to the Shree The Famous Mahendradal Battalion. The march will continue from Keladighat to Nuwakotgadhi, and eventually reach Jitgadhi on Baishakh 7.
The unification march includes army personnel, traditional music bands, the national flag, and flags representing the five original companies (Shrinath, Kalibox, Purano Gorkha, Bardabani, and Sabuj), as well as the Gurubox Regiment, which fought in the historic Jitgadhi battle. The full route from Gorkha to Jitgadhi spans 207 kilometers. The Nepali Army has been organizing this historic unification march annually to honor the nation’s past and inspire future generations.
