Haleshi Mahadev is one of ancient sacred temple lies in Khotang district of eastern Nepal. It is believed that the Haleshi Cave has been dwelling since 6000 years where Lord Shiva hid in this cave being the demon Bhasmasur was chasing him to use his power blessed by Shiva himself. It is located at the top of hilly region lying in between two sacred rivers of Dudhkoshi to the right and Sunkoshi to the left with offering full of natural beauty. It becomes one of prominent holy region as significant as Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu because of its historical, spiritual and cultural importance. We can see three mysterious caves within vicinity of Haleshi Temple, which are believed to be the eyes of lord Shiva (trinetra). In the first cave, we can see an image of Lord Shiva, known as Haleshwar Mahadev. Another we will find the image of Nandi in second cave. On the other hand, the beautiful and mysterious natural caves along with full of different natural images which looks like as the stone sculpture has carved carefully. Here, all the images inside the caves are themselves mysterious.
As per myths, it is believed that Lord Vishnu was the first ever devotee to pay homage to the Haleshi Mahadeva in the Satya Yuga, the golden age, whereas Balaram did in the third age called Dwapar Yuga. Afterwards, many kings, sages, devotees, philosophers, thinkers, hermits, abbots, ascetics and Shankaracharya have been paying homage to this holy land. There is a custom of observing distinguished ritual ceremonies of Haleshor Mahadeva during some festivals such as Bala Chaturdashi, Shiva Ratri, Ram Nawami and Teez etc. Also some devotees perform other religious performances like deistic sacrifice and recital of the Rudri, the Chandi and the Vedas. Haleshwor Mahadeva is considered as the god of fulfilling wishes and giving boons to the real devotees.
Besides hindu religion, Haleshi is equally significant holy place for Buddhists religion considering as Maratikas cave. It is generally associated with Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), where he and his consort Mandarava were blessed with immortal life by Buddha Amitayus. The caves of Maratika are mentioned in Tibetan literature from 12th century. The ‘Sanglingma’, a Kathang (biography) of Padmasambhava discovered by Nyang Ral Nyima Öser, describes the original event, which made the Maratika caves a sacred place for Buddhists. At the request of the Bodhisattva Avaloketesvara, the Buddha Amitayus once taught eighteen tantras of long life. The Dakini Sangwa Yeshe recorded them and hid the teachings afterwards in the Maratika-Cave. In ‘Guide to the sacred places of Nepal’ also Khamtrul Choki Nyima (1730-1780) had written about Maratika-Cave. Brief introductions by H.H. Dalai Lama, Trulshik Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso and Lopon Karma Wangchuk, can also be found in ‘The Guide to Maratika’.
We believe this is one of most auspicious place in Nepal where the people from all over the world having faith on religious must visit once in a lifetime and also enjoy the beautiful, mysterious amazing and purely religious place where the people are traditionally rich in their culture. Hence, the temple is really a matter of pride to the people of Nepal.
Haleshi Mahadev is accessible by road, by air & by short trekking as well. Now the road being reachable upto Haleshi, we are promoting this overland package among the interested pilgrims or travelers to fulfill their visit of Haleshi Mahadev with safe and comfortable way. Kindly go through below program itinerary and contact us for more information.
We will easily organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date