As the Saune Bolbam fair approaches, interest in the ancient Shiva temple, Tuteshwornath, in the district, has surged among concerned parties. Recognized as the Kailash of Madhesh and the country’s ‘Bolbam Baba Sthaan,’ Tuteshwornath has drawn the attention of the provincial government, Bardibas Municipality, social organizations, political parties, administrative bodies, and the general public.
During an interaction organized by Bardibas Municipality’s Culture and Tourism Promotion Committee on Sunday evening, stakeholders emphasized the need to preserve the Tuteshwornath Mahadev Temple and promote it as a tourist destination. Participants concluded that protecting and developing this Shiva temple is crucial for religious tourism. Madhesh Province’s State Minister for Education and Culture, Sharada Thapa, stressed the importance of collective efforts in preserving cultural heritage and boosting tourism.
Similarly, Rajiv Pokharel, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, highlighted the provincial government’s interest in preserving and developing ancient religious sites, including Tuteshwornath, and announced a detailed project report (DPR) for its development with a budget allocation of NPR 8 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Bardibas Mayor Prahlad Kumar Chhetri reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to developing Tuteshwornath as a major religious tourism destination.
Cultural expert and chairman of the district’s Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Association, Gunja Bahadur Karki, noted that this ancient Shiva temple believed to be where Arjun meditated and received the Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva during the Dwapara Yuga, holds significant historical and cultural value. Participants suggested forming a trust to ensure the temple’s preservation and management of the annual Saune fair.
The temple, located seven kilometers from Tuteshwarchowk on the East-West Highway, stands on a hillock on the eastern bank of the ancient Mandaviganga River (now called Madha). Ward Chairman Kaharman Syangwa of Bardibas-5 noted that the temple was built with local devotees’ support after discovering archaeological relics during a deforestation and settlement initiative in 1945.
Believers claim that offering water from the confluence of Mandaviganga, Barunmati, and Swarnmati rivers to the Shiva lingam fulfills wishes, a practice followed for 35 years by resident Basudev Mahato. Mahato urged municipal leaders to prioritize the preservation of these rivers and their connection to the temple.
