Baraha Chhetra

Country: Nepal

District: Sunsari

Location: Barahachhetra

Coordinates:26°52’35”N 87°9’57”E

Primary Deity: Baraha

 

Baraha chhetra is located in the Sunsari District of Nepal. Baraha chhetra is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The statues of Baraha Chhetra are existed from 5th Century. Situated in the premises of the Temple of Barah Chhetra is a big metal stone. It is believed that if one is able to lift this stone without dropping it or showing difficulty he/she is a pure person and has not committed any sin. Another belief is that if five or seven people together, are able to lift the stone just using their small finger and forefinger then they also prove that they have not committed any sins.

The mythology behind this temple is that Lord Vishnu came down to earth in the form of a boar and destroyed Hiranyakashyapu, an evil demon, at this very spot. Colorful folks from shamans to Indian pilgrims converge here to pay homage to the one who saved the world from the likes of Hiranyakashyapu, a religious fair takes place here in November. This is also the best time to visit Barah Chettra as the weather is just tight. During this month Hindus read the Swastani, a holy book and on the banks priests can be seen under small tents reciting the verses. Since at this temple side all seven Koshi Rivers meet together to form the Sapta Koshi River. It is known as one of the holiest amongst the four pilgrimages of Nepal. Apart from the main shrine dedicated to Baraha, there are many other temples with images of the Baraha in Baraha Chhetra. Every year on the first Magh, a religious fare takes place. Makar Sankranti is a special festival which people celebrate in this sacred place. It is said that those people who take bath on the confluence of Sapta Koshi and Koka River and worship the god, they emancipate from their sins. Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the day is Magh first. Located at the confluence of the Saptakoshi and Koka rivers, it is twenty kilometer away from a town in eastern Dharan. Baraha Chhetra is among the four great Hindu pilgrimages. Here, the Boar Baraha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is said to have killed the demon Hiranakshya. Many devotes visit here on the festivals. This site has become one of the Tourist Attraction. People from different place visit the site.