Baidyanath Dham (Nepal)

Baidyanath Dham, one of the four Shrines of Nepal,[1][2] is a shrine of Lord Shiva located in Achham District in the confluence of the Budhi Ganga and Saraswati rivers in Achham district.[3] The shrine has a school to teach Ved called Ved Bidyashram.[4] In 2020, the government allocated NPR 2 million for Baidyanath Dham to upgradae Ved Bidyashram.[5]

Baidyanath Dham
बैद्यनाथ धाम (
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Achham District
Deity	Shiva
Festivals	Shivaratri
Location
Country	Nepal

In Shivaratri pilgrims from Nepal and India visit this place.[1]

Legend

The place has been mentioned in Skanda Purana in the section of Manas Khanda.[6] When Ravan could not get the vision of Shiva by meditating in Kailash Parbat, he came to Baidyanath for mediation. Shiva appeared to him and granted his wish to attach 9 heads at this place. As Shiva acted as a Baidya, a doctor, this place is called Baidyanath.[7][1]

History

The place is mentioned by Abhaya Malla, the king of Achham in 1440 BS. He said the place has the capacity to cure all disease. Inscriptions of 17th century also mention the Shah Kings.[6] A Baiju Kumal is assigned as a Dwarpal and Jalakhar Joshi Baidya as the priest of this temple since the time of Abhaya Malla.

The place also houses the weapons of Gorkha Army that they left during the Unification of Nepal.[6] The legend says that when Gorkha army came to this place, they were blinded and had to retreat.[1]

See also

• List of Hindu temples in Nepal

References

1. "जलविद्युत र पर्यटन : अछामको समृद्धिका आधार". epaschimtoday. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
2. "अगाडि बढ्दै अत्तरिया". अगाडि बढ्दै अत्तरिया. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
3. Khatri, Khamma. "Achham celebrates Makar Sakranti performing cultural dances". My Republica. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
4. "अछामको वैद्यनाथमा दर्शनार्थी बढ्दै". Radio Nepal. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
5. Setopati, Setopati. "Oli govt doles out Rs 13.9m in three months". Setopati. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
6. "अछाम श्रीकोटका बैद्यनाथ". The popular news portal of Nepal. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
7. स्कन्दपुराण मानस खण्ड. p. 603.