Swargadwari Temple

Swargadwari Temple, located in Pyuthan district at an altitude of about 2,100 meters above sea level, is one of Nepal's major religious, spiritual, and historical pilgrimage sites. It is known as the ancient penance ground of sages.

History and Arrival of Mahaprabhu

The literal meaning of 'Swargadwari' is 'Gateway to Heaven'. According to mythological belief, in the Dwapar Yuga, the five Pandavas went through this route while going to heaven and performed sacrifices here. According to modern history, Balatapaswi Shri 108 Narayan Gautam (Swargadwari Mahaprabhu), who was born in Rumti of Rolpa in 1916 BS, came here in 1951 BS. He had revived this site after finding remains of ancient sacrifices while excavating this area.

Akhanda Mahayajna and Dhuni

The biggest feature of Swargadwari is the Akhanda Mahayajna (eternal grand sacrifice) going on here. This sacrifice, which Mahaprabhu started according to Vedic methods from the day of Baisakh Shukla Purnima 1952 BS wishing for world peace, is burning continuously to this day (for about 130 years). The fire (Akhanda Dhuni) here is considered extremely sacred and there is a popular belief that various diseases are cured from the ash (Bhibhuti) of the Mahayajna.

Gaushala and Cow Rearing Tradition

There is a special tradition of worshipping cows as the manifest Mother Cow and Lakshmi in Swargadwari. Thousands of Kamadhenu cows were reared here during the time of Mahaprabhu. Even currently, there are hundreds of cows in the Gaushala here. Special festivals of feeding salt to cows are celebrated on the days of Lakshmi Puja and Baisakh Purnima, where thousands of devotees participate.

Structures and Attractions

• Guptisagar Cave: The cave where Mahaprabhu used to meditate, which is considered a center of spiritual power.
• Veda Pathshala: A Gurukul for Sanskrit education is operated in the ashram here, where young students (Batuks) study the Vedas and Upanishads.
• Siddhababa Temple: A temple located on a hill slightly above the ashram from where panoramic views of mountain ranges like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna can be seen.

A large fair is held in Swargadwari on Baisakh Purnima, Kartik Purnima, and Maghe Sankranti. To reach here, road transport can be used from Ghorahi of Dang or Bhigri of Pyuthan.