Dailekh Darpan

Dailekh: A District Double in its Heritages

By Krishna Kumar Yogi

There could be a few people who might be familiar with a name ‘Dailekh’ as well as its connection with its different kind of heritages.’ A huge population of Nepal may not be aware regarding this name. As one of the districts falling in the Mid- West of Nepal, Dailekh has its own original history and its important identities. It is remarkably rich in terms of religious and historical monuments, beautiful temples; and mighty pillars and stony castles made by mighty ancestors. In this sense, Dailekh may be such a blend of heritages because of what it dwells of almost all types. Dailekh is not merely significant in terms of presence of cultural, natural and living heritages; it is equally important for those who want to have a distinct taste of tranquility.

Being based on the mythology, Dailekh is regarded as a very pious piece of Nepal where a famous sage ‘Dadhichi’ had a deep contemplation and lit himself with enlightenment there. Hence, it was since then called popularly as ‘Dadhi Lekh.’ Nowadays, what we say ‘Dailekh’ is believed to be coined from ‘Dhadhi Lekh’, (Etymologically ‘Dadhi Lekh’ means the hill where sage Dadhichi meditated). In course of exploring the reliable bases behind the naming of Dailekh district, Dailekh area in an ancient time was called ‘Devlok’ later on, ‘Devilok’ which might have transformed into ‘Dailekh’, the historical analysts do come finally to this fact. Another key logic arises robustly is: this area was intensely a breeding ground in terms of rich temples, Dewals and monuments and inscriptions of heterogeneous types along with its panoramic landscape. So, it was known as ‘Devlok.’ It can be doubtlessly said that the same area is nowadays’ Dailekh. Moreover, what the commons of Dailekh believe is: Dailekh was once well-known for buffalo and cow rearing, which is why it was also famous for ‘Dahi’ (curd) which was available everywhere in an ample amount. So, the territory which falls in between Jajarkot and Kalikot in the east and north respectively, Aachham in the west, and Surkhet in the south is administratively known as Dailekh. From the view point of longitudes and latitudes, it is located at 28⁰ 35’ _- 29⁰ 8^’ northern latitudes and 81⁰25’- 81^o 53’ eastern longitudes. It has diversified geography with 1502 Sq. Km. area as it extends from 544 meters altitudes to 4168 meters from the sea level.

Nepal has a specific identity as an amazing country of huge number of heritages in the world. So, it would not be an overstatement that Dailekh district can be a representative district that reflects the whole Nepal. It is rich from the point of view of nature; it is equally important form historical perspective too. How much rich Dailekh is in its diverse culture and religiousness is another point that leaves out unforgettable prints in those several minds who have visited before. Heritages of different kinds are available here in Dailekh district that help even keen minded and sharp eyed researchers who are willing to undertake quests on ancient history of Nepal. Many scholars have put forward their views stating that Dullu area of current Dailekh district was a seasonal or main capital of the ancient Karnali Region as it was the evergreen gift of nature with a pleasant climate, an open museum to have sight seeing, and was alluvial with the prosperity and progress in social, cultural, religious, spiritual and many other fields. Such theme can greatly be attained in the various writings of one of the scholarly historians Purna Prakash Nepal ‘Yaatri.’ One of the prominent scholars locally inhabiting in Gamaudi VDC ward no. 6, Vedegaun Mr. Khagendra Nath Yogi ‘Sharstri’ while talking about heritages and history of Dailekh says that in an ancient time, the area nowadays we call with the name ‘Panchakoshi’ {Panchakoshi is a common name of places including Navisthan, Sirasthan, Kotila, Dhuleshwor, Paduka (Lamadhuwala)} was said to be ‘Shiva Upatkaya’ (a plain valley ruled by Lord Shiva). Still, to this date this name is valid and hanged in everyone’s tongue. It was a religious aspect that speaks much its religious tradition. He further claims that Dailekh has a long history of 6,400 years nevertheless; it is a matter of deep regret that we have been very much compelled to study history of Nepal limiting itself about around 2,500 years long, which is not true.  The scholars like him suggest widely to every pilgrim who has been going to different places of India such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Jagannathpuri, Rameshoweram, etc., thinking to be have liberation and salvation from their previously committed misdeeds have once to visit the ‘Panchakoshi Pilgrimage’ (fusion of five ancient religiously sacred places) in Dailekh district. ‘Pasnchakoshi’ here refers to the five religiously and historically main places believed to be very pious and sacred. We should admit the fact that there has been highly increasing flow of foreigners towards Nepal believing that Nepal is a true country of spirituality to be felt and practiced. Talking in this regard, obviously, the heritages of Dailekh may have a better and brighter tomorrow than what it had yesterday and what it is today. Though, it has some problems regarding transportation and other infrastructures, it has enough prospects for its religio-tourism to be enhanced.

Two of the outstanding places among them which deserve many people’s attention are: Navisthan and Sirasthan temples. What is specific about these religious temples is to be mentioned as: theses places have got such fire flames that they never extinguish. They are ever continuously burning since the time immemorial. These fire flames are given the name as ‘Jwalaji’ (the flame is regarded as a divine or purgatory fire or form of God). The divine fire flames in these temples are thought to be the third eye of Lord Shiva who is perceived distinctly as the destroyer. The description of important places of Dailekh is as follow:

           

Navisthan :

Navisthan has been remained a point of religious attraction since time immemorial. There are 5 temples in the Navisthan area. It is not an area with big temples, but what are remarkably specific to state is: it has two temples where we can see strange fires flaming continuously burn there. It is really an amazing sighting for everyone who goes for the purpose of visiting there. One temple of the temples where we could see natural flame of fire is called ‘Indra Jwala’’ whereas; another temple is called ‘Jwala Ghar.’ These both temples experience ‘all day and all night fire burning.’ There is a tradition of hiding these flames with a flat round shaped metal having a long holder. There could be many reasons behind this. Almost all the time, the flames are kept on hiding so there is formed some black matter on it. The black matter collected on the metal is put in the forehead of the visitors and pilgrims. It is popularly called, ‘Tilak’ which has a great religious importance.

The Navisthan temple area is located at the side of a stream called Navikhola. According the mythology, it is believed that the naval of ‘Satidevi’ (the first wife of Lord Shiva in a myth) has fallen down there whenever Lord Shiva was unconsciously going to different places after her death in the ‘Yagya’ set up by Dakshya Prajapati. Since then the place is called ‘Navisthan.’ Some say relying on mythical stone that it was called Navisthan after the fall of Lord Vishnu’s naval there. Even though, there is the mythical conflict in this regard what is most reliable is; in an explicit manner Asali Thulo Shreeswasthani Vrata Katha in its 17^th Aadhayaya under the title Dakshya Yagya Bidhwansa Shiva- Prithivi Bhraman Sati Aangapatana Peethotpatti’ written,’ Being a lunatic like while Lord Shiva was carrying the dead body of Satidevi at ‘Jalandhar’ her lower lip fell down, and then ‘Jalandharpeeth, ‘Jalapadevi’, ‘Jwalamukhi Yogini’ (goddess) and ‘Pishacheshwor Mahadev’ emerged out of it and remained one of the powerful forms of Lord Shiva.’ While connecting the various views expressed by Nepalese and foreign historical heads or pioneers studying on Nepal, we come to know that ‘Jalandhar’ area lies in Nepal.   Brihat Jumla Rajyako Aitihasik Vivechana firmly says the ancient Karnali Region is paraphrased as ‘Himavatkhanda- Kedarkhanda.’ Among 108 different places where Satidevi’s organs and particles fell down, one of the areas is ‘Jalandharpeeth.’  Obviously Dullu Dailekh area is the representative part of Himavatkhanda- Kedarkhanda where there is the temple of ‘Jwalamukhi Yogini’ or ‘Jwalaji’ which experiences a non-stop flame. It lies in Gamaudi VDC ward no- 5, Dailekh. It takes around 3 hours on foot to reach the temple area from Dailekh Bazzar, the district headquarters of Dailekh district. In course of exploring the history of a place ‘Gamaudi’, a local scholar Mr. Yogi says ‘Gamaudi’ was exactly ‘Gomani’ (‘Go’ stands for ‘land’ and ‘Mani’ stands for ‘gem’ which is said to be ‘the gem of the land.’) It was the most precious place of the world in ‘Satya Yoog’ (the era of truth). Moreover, many experts on petroleum products and geology claim that there has been a good source of petroleum near by the Navikhola (the stream lying on the right). If that petroleum is properly utilized, obviously, much more doors of development can be opened easily in Nepal and it can do much for its national development.

On the bank of Navikhola, the dead bodies are burnt. So, it has been a major cremation site. There are two ways on what the funeral ceremony of dead body is completed in accordance to Hindu tradition. Some burn the dead body. Whereas, some burry the dead body. It could be perhaps common to any other tradition as well. Spiritually conscious people believe that the human body is made out of five different elements. With the ways one completes death rites; it is believed that the dead body goes to mix into these elements that prepare them for the reincarnation. The bank of the stream is also utilized as a public cremation site where the dead bodies are burnt with proper religious rites by the mourners. The priest may not be always compulsory for every caste of people to conduct the chanting and prayers. The cemetery of some distinguished Yogi family is inside the territory of the temple. They bury the dead bodies and keep some things believing what they need during their life along with a utensil made out of pumpkin’s outer surface in a similar fashion as the Greek mummifying the dead body.

After the cremation ceremony completed having a bath those who return back from the site have to accept ‘Tilak’ which is believed as a sign of purifier. Whenever some one is conducting ‘Yagya, Puja’ or any other religious ceremonies, it is obligatory to get the flame of the temple before the conduct. Only then, the ceremonies kick off formally. This is the part and parcel of the commoners’ belief system around that place.

The eminent archeological expert and spiritual figure, Late Yogi Narahari Nath, conducted the ‘Kotihom’ (a pious religious ceremony) in 2055 BS and did a commendable contribution in the promotion of peace, religiousness, co-operation, harmony and non-violence among people. Through the Kotihom, he tried to spread the message of tranquility, love, non-violence and kindness. There were many children with the age of 10-12 who got their ‘Upanayan Sanskar’ (One of the rites falling under 16 different rites according to Hindu tradition which is supposed to do before marriage ‘Sanskar’ {sacrament’}) during the Kotihom.

There is a big, green and widely spread tree at the right hand corner of the temple called ‘Swami’ (a pious tree supposed to have an intense religious importance) is worth seeing. If one looks at this tree then s/he starts continuously eying in it. In my opinion, it releases one’s boredom from his/her mind and refills the air of refreshness into. One’s tension goes away if s/he looks at it as it is the most pleasing plant. The tree is believed to be planted by Mahant (Monk) late Shree Bharapur Nath Yogi during his time. He was also the Mahant of Mrigasthali Temple, Kathmandu where his ‘Samadhi’ (Where he was buried after his death) can still be seen in the Mrigasthali area with a name ‘Rato Samadhi’. For the Mahant, a person of Yogi Caste is thought to be valid since the beginning. After him, his son, Mr. Bhaktinath Yogi worked as Mahant more than a decade. Currently Mr. Indra Nath Yogi has been a Mahant of the temple and looking after the temple along with conducting all the daily affairs of temple like, worshipping.

Sirasthan :

As Navisthan, another chief centre of commoners’ belief is the temple of Sirasthan that lies in Rawatkot VDC ward no 8, Dailekh. The temple is across the stream called ‘Navikhola.’ The Sirasthan area consists of group of temples. Among them, the fire burning temple of Sirasthan has comparatively of a great significance. It is the temple of biggest fire blazing in Nepal. The length of the flame burning is of around 6 inches. I claim that there is not such a place anywhere in Nepal, therefore it is something really a matter of surprise for many people. The commoners interrogate: Why is the government silent about such an extraordinary matter that could attract the national and international attention easily? It is a big question within the womb of the bigger one that has not been answered it yet well.

It takes about 2 hours to reach there on foot from the headquarters of Dailekh district. If you cross the stream through Sirasthan temple on your left, you will see a well like structure where we can see visibly the gas flying away and inside a fire flame burning continuously which is known as ‘Kali Jwala’ (black fire flame). Religious minded people believe that it is all possible because of presence of Gods and Goddesses everywhere therein. They express gratitude themselves delivering their pleasure with the words saying that they are fortunate enough to have such a pious place to live in. They claim that the land with such preciously important temples is the land of divinity where they feel the presence of Gods and Goddesses every where.

There are four temples in the surrounding area of Sirasthan temple. There has been Gunti Ghar, Jwala Ghar, Dharmashala (inn) and undergoing Shiva Parvati temple. The daily two times worshipping is done there. At the time of worshipping, there is the tradition of playing ‘Damaha’ (a drum made out of cupper and the skin of animals).

The foot prints of enlightened sage are also seen to be decorated there. These foot prints are called as ‘Siddha Pau.’ It is also a key center of attraction for many pilgrims who visit there. The animal sacrifice is a continual tradition in the temple. First they wish for something to become true in their life remembering God or goddess. After their wishes come true, now they come up with roosters, pigs and s/he-goat in the temple to sacrifice in the name of God. After the sacrifice, the piece of liver is taken out and arranged into a sharp stick and offered to God. With the dead body of animal making a round is done also as a part of tradition.  

           

           

As a part of maintaining the daily worshiping schedule, there are a priest and a monk. Recently an inhabitant of Gamaudi VDC ward no 5 Gairi, Mr. Gokarna Nath Yogi has been serving as a priest com- monk of this temple.

Kotila :

Kotila is another religiously important place which can be best regarded as a valuable tourist spot. It is peacefully situated at the centre point of streams. The stream surrounding the temple is called ‘Siddha Khola’ (an enlightened stream).  Kotila is located in an elevated place between the streams under some trees. Kotila does have two different temples of Goddess and Lord Shiva. Mythology says that the place has got the fall of womb of ‘Satidevi’ the former of wife of Lord Shiva. According to nuns living in the inn across the river, the stream is said to be ‘Siddha Khola’. On your right, whenever you are climbing through the staircase to reach temple area, a naturally made stone to be worshipped bathing with milk is called ‘Dudhadhari Mahadev’ (Lord Shiva loving milk). It is the temple with no a single animal sacrifice is given. It is the most remarkable feature of this temple. Many pilgrims come with milk to offer Mahadev and try to please him. In accordance with Hindu tradition, Mahadev is known to be God of Gods what the word ‘Mahadev’ refers to the same; therefore it is believed that he is to be pleased. ‘Mahadev’ at Kotila is famous for ‘Jatadhari Mahadev’ (among many forms of Shiva, he is here understood as a hairy Lord) or ‘Doodhdhari Madhadev’ (as the idol of Shiva here is bathed with milk).  The hospitality of the ‘Matas’ (nuns) living in the inn is really heart touching. On the left bank of the stream, there are the trees of ‘Var and Peepal’ (religiously pious trees scientifically proved that Peepal produces oxygen in day and night).

It is thought to be a very pious place where some sages contemplated for a long and got enlightened in an ancient time therefore the stream flowing through is called ‘Siddha Khola’ (an enlightened stream). It seems to be an amazing to see that the parts of the trees have been interfused in such a way that ‘which one is the part of which tree’.

There has been the tradition of making monks from among ‘Giri’ caste. Recently, the Mahant (monk) of this temple is Sri Sri Sri Gurumaharaj Shiva Giri. His Guru was Narvada Giri whose ‘Samadhi’ can be seen in the premises of inn. On the bank of the stream, there has been the presence of 10-12 houses with the facilities of tea and snacks. A big fair is held on the occasion of Shivaratri, Maghesankranti and full moon day of Nepali month, called Baishakh. Moreover, it is also believed that Pancha Pandav (Based on mythology of Mahabharat) had been this place previously during their forest exile.

Paduka :

Paduka is religiously an important place which has its own importance. According the mythology, it is believed that the feet of ‘Satidevi’ have fallen down there and the place was called ‘Paduka.’ Regarding the history of Paduka to be clarified, here mythical bases collide too. Some say these were the footprint of Lord Vishnu, so this place occasionally known as Vishnu Paduka. It lies in Paduka VDC ward no- 3, Dailekh. It takes around 3 hours on foot to reach the temple area from Dullu Bazzar, the second biggest Bazzar of Dailekh district. According to a local of Paduka who knows history of that place well, Mr. BalKrishan Nath Yogi there was a temple called ‘Jwala Ghar’ of naturally fire blazing which was chiefly a centre of charm of this area has been washed away by a devastating flood occurred in 2022 BS. Nowadays we can only see just the temple with its semi-destructed forms. Since a long time, the forefathers of Mahant Mr. Laxmi Nath Yogi served as the Mahant of the temple. After their death Mr. Laxmi Nath Yogi, his son Mr. Aaitavar Nath Yogi served as a monk of the temple and dealt all the activities of daily worshipping of temple. After him, Mr. Varsha Nath Yogi worked as a Mahant of this temple.

The pillar set up by Ashokachalla the Great in 1317 BS (who was the 6^th descendents of Nagraj, the founder of Karnali region in the Medieval Age in Nepal) in Paduka of Dailekh has inscribed a sentence ’Sauna Karki Karkeni Dewal….’ Later on said analytically that Challas were converted into Mallas and commenced ruling over Nepal.

In these days, Mr. Devi Nath Yogi is working as Mahant there. Nevertheless, the locals do not seem that very satisfied with him the way he deals with. There could be various reasons behind the curtain. Currently, a priest from Sinja, Jumla (from where we believe our national language, Nepali has been originated) is working there. His name is Shiva Nath Yogi. It is reportedly said that he is not Yogi by caste; he has been so as per his deeds.   

Dhuleshwor :

The richness of heritages in Dailekh can be reflected by the presence of various religiously and historically significant places available there.

The temple of ‘Dhuleshwor’ lies in Badalamji VDC wards no. 8 of Dailekh district. Dhuleshwor is peacefully situated in an elevated hill of Dailekh near Ghiyatindun. Dhuleshwor temple is a temple of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is realized in several forms in several places. Here, he is worshipped as a form of ‘Navdeshwor Mahadev.’ Many people go to the temple and worship Lord Shiva. The most remarkable thing is: inside the temple, there is a place of religious offering, a two feet deep underground ditch that is called ‘Hawan Kunda’. The continual wind blows there. How is this possible? It is taken differently and believed to be happened because of some divine power prevailed there. The ‘Hawan’ is held on the occasion of every full and dark moon day and Sakranti (the first day of every month). Recently as a Mahant (monk) Mr. Kaviraj Ban Sannyasi is fulfilling his responsibility. The daily prayer and worshipping is performed by him. According to him, his ancestors were ‘Padhya’ or ‘Upadhyaya’ (Bramin by caste) of a place called Khara Dansura and converted into ‘Ban Sannyasi’ and started his clan to be devoted and continuously dedicated into the worshipping Lord Shiva.   

           

In the inscription, there has been inscribed the name of Rajendra Bir Bikram Shah (the 4^th king of Shah Dynasty of Nepal) and other names inscribed there are Colonel Kulman Singh and Captain Buddhiman Singh. There is a copper inscription that has been offered to ‘Navdeshwor Mahadev’ in 1799 BS.

           

The foot prints of enlightened person are also seen to be decorated there. These ‘Siddha Pau’ are of similar sizes wherever they are: either they are in Sirasthan or here. It is a key point of attraction for many pilgrims who visit there.

Deulawat :

‘Deulawat’ means the terrace with the ‘Deuals’ (the stony structures shown in the picture below). The particular terrace possessing some stone made structure with some significant religious value is called in a common language - Deulawat. Deulawat has not only religious importance simultaneously it has a huge archeological importance as well. According to a former chairman of Rawatkot VDC, Mr. Sarva Raj Mahatara, it was called as a ‘terrace of Dharmagati’ (having the religious importance).

Deulawat is located in Rawatkot VDC ward no. 4 of Dailekh. No clear history can be found till the date. There are five similar sized stone structures which are rich in their art and craft. They can be understood as the master pieces of stone art and architecture. It is very difficult to understand the engineering skills and professionalism developed at that time through these structures. At the inner top centre of Dewals, the crafting of a well- known flower ‘Padma’ is attractively crafted. Observing the location of these Dewals, one can easily guess that these were built for the purpose of conducting the ‘Yagya’, ‘Jaap’, ‘Taap’ and ‘Rudri’ (religious ceremonies) inviting all people of surrounding villages. According to the headmaster of Panchan Dewal Secondary School, Mr. Ghanshyam Acharya, these Dewals have their own significance. He believes these Dewals had been made in the rule of Prithivi Malla.  Such Dewals are seen in villages called Bhurti, Dullu, Chhuwala, Kimugaun, Kuikakna, Badalamji, Dhulpur and at the hill of Haudi of Dailekh.

Baleshwor,   Patanggini,   Silangi Dharmagaddi and Kirtikhamb :

       

                These places fall in an area called Dullu. Dullu was one of the major principalities before the unification of Nepal. There has been a deep history of the Dullu valley according to one of the prominent scholars Mr. Yogi inhabiting in Gamaudi. It is difficult to go on exploring the proofs because of unavailability of no more written pieces of history. Dullu was called to be ‘Durlenghenagar, Aaparraj and Durlavnagar’ (a sacred city). Ratnakar Devkota says in his historical anthology Brihat Jumla Rajyako Aitihasik Vivechana the other important names used to refer the area were: Dulravdesh, ‘Durlavpeeth’ (a landy Shangri-La), “Viratraj, Vijayarajya’. Dullu was estimated to have 3 million 3 hundred thousand (33,000,000) population living in the area. These all people were believed to have a tag ‘Dev.’ The word, ’Dev’ they were as equivalent as ‘God.’ They were said Dev because they had become the part of divinity.

           

Baleshwor is a temple turning towards the northern direction. It lies in ward no. 9 of Badalanji VDC, Dailekh. A special ‘pooja’ (worship) is performed on the occasion of full and dark moon days as they are the most religious days from the view point of Hindu tradition. Some people believe that it is a cemetery of Late Balanarasingh Kanwar (the father of the first Rana Prime Minister Janga Bahadur Rana of Nepal). Looking its structure, design and craft, it can be noted that it has a precious history. It is in a miserable state after destruction by some terrorist groups.

           

Patanggini is a plain land with two important Dewals and a Peepal tree. It is also mentined in Patanggini could have a place to have rest or relaxation at the time of tiredness if one feels. On the ground, there is a stone inscribed a tiger called ‘Bagdhunga’. The big far is held to mark Dashain festival. This land can be best used as a political canvassing and religious celebrations like ‘Krishnajanastami’ (the birth day of Lord Krishna) and so on. The fossils of an architecturally important palace of Dulal kings can be seen from the main way. The locals put forward their views on how and who destroyed such a precious palace: terrorists had demolished with no specific reasons. The palace was the one of the excellent masterpieces out of the ancient masterminds.  The palace situated at Dullu was called Viratdurbar and it has another name; Varkhedurbar.

Generally, a tradition of setting up pillars could have some specific reasons in the days before. In course of establishing some purposes like keeping some kind of record, either it could be the record of a success, record of annexing the certain territory, or of recording some amazing or heroic deeds.  Hence, it could be said as Kirtikhamb. It was also known as Kotisthumb. It is believed to be set up by Prithivi Malla in 1414 BS. The family tree of ‘Khas’ and ‘Paal’ kings of Aaditya dynasty and their ancestors kings of Nagraj,  Paal and Khas dynasty are mentioned on the both sides of the pillar.  The beginning of inscription has started with ‘Om Mani Padhmhe’ that explicitly makes us clear that how much they were impressed with Buddhism. Similiarly, Pauwa is an ancient house carrying the history is worth seeing at Dullu. The pillar set up by king Damupal in 1038 BS is believed to be the first inscription in Nepali language which may hold a deep history of this region.

Patharnauli :

Patharnauli is a stone made structure falls in Dullu on the side of road. Locals name it as Patharnauli because it is a well made out of stone. There is a big stone inscription in its entrance which is written in Sanskrit language. According to the inscription, it has been built by Prithivi Malla, a ruler of Malla dynasty of Nepal. According to a local historician and the headmaster of Pancha Dewal Secondary School, Rawatkot Mr. Ghanshyam Acharya, the kings used to have winter and summer state. Dullu state was famous for Prithivi Malla’s winter stay, in course of stay, he used to carry out various development activities targeting local people to uplift their living standard. One of the examples of developmental activities is the construction of Patharnauli. There has been a lot written about his power in Sanskrit as a ‘Prasastigan’ (a hymn). At the contemporary time, the emperors of the North and South used to give a kind of tax to the king. An emperor of Tibet and Java Sumatra had to offer some dresses called ‘clothes of Kochin’ to Prithivi Malla regarding him ‘Emperor of Himalayas.’ From this we can say that he was one of the powerful descendents of king Nagraj of a great Karnali Region. Nagraj was addressed as ‘Jabeshwor.’  The prize to be offered to Prithivi Malla was just a continuation of legacy; before it his ancestors were getting such prizes as they helped the emperors of Javasumatra.

Regarding the previous state of Patharnauli, locals state that there was nothing inside before Yogi Narahari Nath read the inscription. After he read it, he requested the locals to dig it up, and then water appeared there. It is also believed that it was made by ‘Pancha Pandav’ whenever they were in exile during the era of truth. The amazing aspect of this castle (Patharnauli) is its beauty, its craft, its richness in art and arrangement of massive stones in a very systematic way. The roof of this castle has six levels. The inner top ceiling is also a key part of attraction which has a beautiful craft of ‘Padma’ flower at its centre.

Saatkhamba :

The compound word ‘Satkhamba’ is the combination of two separate words. First is ‘Saat’’ which means ‘seven’ and the second is ‘Khamba’ which means ‘pillars.’’ This place is introduced by the presence of seven different sized pillars and commonly called Saatkhamba. We could see seven pillars set up in a straight line in that place. It falls in Gamaudi VDC ward no 7. The tallest pillar among the seven is of about eight feet that is fixed at the centre. Whereas, the other six pillars are arranged according to their height: ascending to descending order. Forming such mighty pillars could have obviously some considerable purposes behind. Whoever has established these pillars and whatever the objectives there were to establish them, we should appreciate their power and strength, skill, talent and craftsmanship. According to an enthusiastic and vigorous youth of Gamaudi VDC ward no. 4, Mr. Binod Kumar Yogi, spoke that a scholar and formerly parliamentarian Dr. Prem Bahadur Shahi, from the same locality has contributed to set dispersed pillars in a proper way. There has been also 4 pillars  of similar type are found to be spread here and there in a place called Chhiudi, Pushakot which is at 20 minutes walking distance. It seems something engraved in one of the pillars but it’s illegible. It could be because of their oldness.    

Bilaspur Durbar:

In the contemporary times there were 4 different Durbar. They were Dailekh Durbar, Durbar, Dullu Durbar,   Rawatkot Durbar, Kothaghadi Durbar. The Durbar falling in Dailekh is Bilaspur Durbar which is belied to be established in 1461 BS.  in the period of King Sansari Verma. Around Dailekh Bazzar area, the temples of Batuk Bhairab, Narayansthan, bajra Bhairab are remarkable. The water spouts, and major inscriptions and monuments made in different places in contemporary time can be the best means to explore the history of entire Nepal. 

Lalat :

A middle sized stone made house is called by the locals as Lalat. It is also called Lalat Dewal. It is a stony house located in Gamaudi VDC ward no. 8, Rajakandh. It lies at the bottom of the forest. From the current state of the castle, we can guess that it was made in an ancient time. There is stated nothing about its history: who and when it was built. Inside the castle, there is the water which can be burnt wherever they are water bubbles which has been reportedly said by the locals.  It could be an amazing place to visit for those who have listened water burning for the first time in life. The roof of this castle has four levels. The stream called ‘Chhamghat’ lies 50 meters below the castle. No the concerned departments have taken interest for the preservation and conservation of it.  

The one who has been to Dailekh very first in his/her life expects to have a will for frequent visits. This could be because of why the visitors mesmerized with the panoramic views, heart cheering scenes and amazingly happenings such as natural fire blazing in different temples. On the behalf of visitors, if I were one of them to speak about the place, I would say it is an amazing part of the Universe where people can entertain, educate and enlighten themselves being there. For every sort of men, it can be a better place to hang around and spend the holidays with some purposefulness. An extreme richness of Dailekh in its religious and cultural heritages, historically considerable structures, pillars and inscriptions along with its natural beauty can be major sources for a vigorous individual researcher. Those who are interested in the history of the country to explore from a deeper level and those who are keen at promoting and conserving these heritages can go there and contribute themselves as per their level of capacity. Those who want to prove themselves as true researchers; Dailekh is something like a mine for them to come up with something useful for them and their nation. So, from this angle of perception, it could be considered as one of the best spots to go and see, to be and have a useful study; and to explore and extend its value far and wide.

Nevertheless Dailekh has inadequate developmental infrastructures and has been marginalized in terms of national plans and policies; it has innumerable areas of prospects that could show that it can do something tangible in for its progress and prosperity. Dailekh is one of the districts of Mid-western Nepal with tremendous prospects of tourism development. It can be proved that Dailekh is really double or triple rich in its heritages with the glorious presence of religiously and naturally existed places such as: the temple of Narayan, Mahadev, Chamunda Bhagwati, Hansa Jwala Gadhi, Purano Durbar, Bhairi Kalikathum, Kathaka Thala, Lankuri, Bhairi, Gurenshe, and Ranimatta hills. Towards the western side, the highest hill of Dailekh, Mahabu’s hill adds the beauty along with Pyari, Darikhane, Tinchule, Katti, Byauli (like a bride, newly married) and Haudi hills standing with a strong commitment. They teach humans the lessons of patience. Other centers for attraction are natural spring: Bhairavi or Bhairavi Kunda which are religiously pious and worth seeing. Chhahara pataalkuwa, Jajdaha, Chamere Gupha (cave), Barahatal, Gorujure Baghagupha, Ghumnekhali, Taalpokhari, Saatgupha have made Dailekh really fertile ground and heavenly land. It can not be only due regarded with the bright signs we see in the tourism sector but it is equally important due to its richness in archeology and history. If we collectively act in a conscious and sincere way in this regard, obviously it can have a positive role in the entire development of the country.

Bibliography:

Bhattarai, G., Brihat Gyan Kosh, (12^th Revised Ed.), Vidharthi Pustak Bhandar, Bhotahiti, Kathmandu (Page 271, 288, 456, 562)

Baral, J., Dailekh Dulluka Sampadaharu, Gorakhapatra, 2065 Jeth 4, Saturday

Dhakal B. and et al, Samanya Gyan Digdarshan (comp. & ed.) (1^st ed.) 2052/53, Makalu Books and Stationers Bagbazar, Kathmandu

Devkota, R., Brihat Jumla Rajyako Aitihasik Vivechana (1^st ed.) 2064, Kumar Khadga Pvt. Studies, Kamaladi, Kathmandu (Page 238, 259, 266, 296, 301, 334-35, 343, 346, 360, 364, 415, 426, 429, 569, 577, 658, 661, 663,  672, 675, 678, 680, 686, 688, 692-94, 702)

Ghimere L. N. and et al., Kala’s Social Studies -7 (1^st ed.) 2059, Kala Publication, Kathmandu (Page 165)

Rana B. ‘Jigyansu’, Brihat Gyan Bhandar (1^st ed., 2065), Lumbini Prakashan, Pradarshanimarg, Kathmandu (Page 47, 79)

Singh, P. B., Madhyapashimka Prayatakiya Kshtraharu, ‘Gorakhapatra’, 2065 Mangsir 6, Friday (Page 6)

TImilsena, N. P., Dailekh (Jilla Paricharya), Antarrastriya Manch, Varsha 23, Ananka 6, 2063 Chaitra (Page 45-47)

‘Vasistha’, Gaurishankar (collector), Asali Thulo Shreeswasthani Vrata Katha(2^nd. Ed. 2055 BS: 1998 AD), Jaya Nepal Prakashan Kachaudi Gali, Varanashi, (Page 140)

Published on:

Nepal, a bimonthly Magazine published by GON,

             Information and Communication Ministry, Information Department, Kathamndu Year: 39, No. 3, Purnank 171, Mangsir- Push 2065. (But it is a slightly an improved version so far.)