Tourism Info Nepal

Satasidham: A Spiritual Oasis Set to Shine with Grand Religious Festival

Satasidham: A Spiritual Oasis Set to Shine with Grand Religious Festival

Satasidham, a revered pilgrimage site in Shivasatakshi Municipality-11, Jhapa, continues to captivate domestic and international religious tourists. Nestled at the foothills of the Chure range amidst dense forests, the temple is steeped in mythology, with ties to the Mahabharata era. It is believed that the five Pandavas worshiped Satisiddhi Devi, a goddess symbolizing 100 eyes, during their exile.

The site, which features the Satasidham temple alongside attractions like the 51-foot Rudraksha-adorned Shiva Lingam and Golok Govardhan Gaushala, draws throngs of devotees throughout the year. “The temple sees visitors year-round, irrespective of the season,” said local journalist Binod Sapkota. He highlighted that over NPR 1 billion has been invested in developing religious and tourism infrastructure, ensuring ample facilities for lodging, dining, and meditation for foreign and domestic tourists alike.

Located just 5 kilometers north of the East-West Highway at Jhilmile Chowk, the site is accessible via a well-maintained road built two years ago by the Koshi Provincial Government and the local municipality. Basic amenities like electricity and drinking water have been established, and a spacious guesthouse accommodating over 1,000 people has been constructed.

The Gaushala, initiated a decade ago by Acharya Nandkishore Bhardwaj with just four cows, now shelters over 1,500 cattle, including indigenous breeds from Nepal and India’s Vrindavan. The facility also rescues abandoned or injured cattle, offering medical care and shelter. Local employment opportunities have expanded, with 30 residents directly employed at the Gaushala.

Adjacent to the temple, the Satasidham complex houses several ornate shrines, including Lakshmi Narayan, Satasidhamata, Shiva, Baraha, Ram Durbar, and Dwapar Jyotirlinga. The Gaushala has received donations from Hindu devotees across India, the U.S., Bhutan, Canada, and Australia, reinforcing its global appeal.

From Mangsir 14 to 24, Satasidham will host the 10th Annual Religious Festival, organized by the Golok Govardhan Gaushala. The event will include a series of spiritual ceremonies, such as the Dhanyanchal Gyan Mahayagya, Panchakundiya Shri Rudra Mahayagya, Sitaram Vivah, and discourses on the Mahapurana.

Devotees will have the unique opportunity to worship the massive 51-foot Shiva Lingam, crafted from 1.15 million Rudraksha beads sourced from Sankhuwasabha. Acharya Nandkishore Bhardwaj shared that months of preparation went into creating this masterpiece, which is expected to attract hundreds of devotees and religious leaders from Europe, South Asia, and beyond.

The festival is estimated to cost NPR 10 million and is anticipated to draw lakhs of attendees, including prominent Hindu leaders from 20 countries. Renowned scholar Acharya Pandit Laxmi Prasad Khatri will narrate the Srilinga Mahapurana, enhancing the spiritual significance of the event.

Adding to the allure, a picturesque waterfall lies just north of the Satasidham complex in the hilly terrain of Ilam. Being the closest waterfall to Jhapa, it attracts visitors who come to enjoy its scenic beauty, capture photos, and take refreshing dips.

Satasidham’s rich history, spiritual depth, and natural charm make it a rising star in Nepal’s religious tourism landscape. The upcoming festival is set to elevate its global recognition, making it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

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