The ancient Dhungesangu site, located in Pokhara Metropolitan City-15 and home to the Annapurneshwar Shiv Temple, is set to be promoted as a religious tourism destination through the upcoming Koti Hom ritual. The event will take place from November 30 to December 10, as announced by Madan Giri, the coordinator of the main organizing committee, during a press conference today.
Giri revealed that the temple, built for NPR 1.8 million on the site of an ancient sacred stone that has been worshipped since the development of the settlement, will be inaugurated during the Koti Hom ritual, along with other religious ceremonies, including the installation of the temple’s sacred energies (Pran Pratishtha).
The event will feature a grand Dhan Dhananyachal Koti Hom ritual, including a Rudri Yagya and the lighting of one million oil lamps (Koti Deep Prajwalan), along with ancestor liberation rituals (Pitri Uddhar). Giri highlighted that this is the first Koti Hom to be held in Pokhara in three decades and emphasized the active role of the Gandaki Riverside Youth Club in preserving ancient traditions and culture in Pokhara-15.
The Koti Hom will be conducted according to religious scriptures, and Giri invited all those who can participate to contribute, while those who cannot afford to attend free of charge. Additionally, free Bratabandha (sacred thread ceremony) and special rituals for elderly individuals aged 84 years or older, who are either childless or financially disadvantaged, will be organized during the Koti Hom.
Narayan Bhandari, the president of the Riverside Youth Club, mentioned that the Koti Hom aims to revive the ancient religious history of the site, where worship of a sacred stone has been ongoing for centuries, and now a temple has been built in its place. He emphasized the unique significance of the site, as it serves as a single location for worshipping both ancestors and deities.
Resident Arjun Dhakal stated that despite its ancient religious importance, Dhungesangu has been neglected due to a lack of promotion. The Koti Hom is being organized to revitalize its significance. He added that the site boasts a history of over 300 years. During the press conference, it was also informed that Jayashree Radhe Guru and temple guardian Shobha Kant Dhakal will serve as the main speakers for the Koti Hom Mahayagya.
