It is said that after the death of Sati Devi, the wife of Mahadev, the power of Vishnu produced flies to decompose the body and wrapped around the dead body and the last part fell in Chayannath, hence the place was worshiped as Chayannath shrine. Chayannath Dham located in Karan Bheg of Mugu district, the source of Karnali river, is considered a heritage of religious history.
According to religious beliefs, among the important dhams of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Muktinath, Pashupatinath, Chayannath is also known as the highest dham in the world. According to locals and temple priests, Chayannath temple is a sacred Dham or Shaktipeeth like Badrinath and Kedarnath.
An Overview
Chayannath, which is one of the 4 holy places in the world, is also known as the highest place in the world. Chayannath Dham is located in Chain village of Rara Municipality Ward No. 2 of Mugu District. Since the largest lake in Nepal is located in this municipality, the name of this municipality was changed to Chayannath Rara Municipality in 2073 when the new federal structure was implemented in Nepal under the name of Chayannath Temple and Rara Lake.
There are caves with idols of Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu above the Chayannath temple on the snow line at a height of about 4500 meters above sea level. Its observation is also considered attractive for visitors. It is said that Badrinath and Kedarnath in India and Chhayannath in Nepal are among the three Shakti Peeths in the world.
Religious and cultural significance
Every year on the day of Shravan Shuklapaksha, Ashtami Tithi, the idol of Chayannath Thakurjiu in the district’s famous deity Chayannath temple is taken to the holy Dham Chayannath for bathing. On Janaipurnima, there is a 5-day pujapath and homa brat at Chayannath, during which pilgrims from 15 districts come to ask for boons.
Pilgrims who go to the Chayannath temple return with Shraddha, Homa, Vratbandha and asking for the boon they have mentioned. Some come as jhankri and some go to purify the bells of the gods. Pilgrims from Mugu and outside the district come for darshan.
Above the Chayannath temple there are caves with idols of Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu. On the side of Ankantar and in the middle of the mountain, the simple temple made of bedrock has no decoration. Although it is not in the eyes of the state, it is a stone temple, but it has become the focal point of the faith and belief of the people of Karnali province.
Every year, a religious fair is held at that place from Shukla Paksha date to Janaipurnima day. To fill the fair, thousands of pilgrims come from Mugu, Humla, Jumla, Kalikot, Dolpa, Dailekh, Jajarkot and Surkhet including Bajura of Karnali Province to ask for various kinds of boons including Dhami Pujari of different deities, to atone for sins, to give pinds to their bereaved ancestors and to worship Mahadev. They come to visit.
Unique Rituals and Attractions at Chayannath
Several fascinating rituals and sights give Chayannath Dham its distinctive sacred charm:
1. Three-fold Prostrations: Pilgrims pray to the deities while kneeling down three times. This ritual intensifies the connection with the divine.
2. Bell Offerings: Devotees bring brass bells to purify and adorn the shrines. The ringing symbolizes wisdom awakening.
3. Snow-capped Shiva Lingam: A naturally formed ice stalagmite resembling a Shiva lingam remains here year-round for veneration.
4. Cliffside Caves: Small caverns with additional old idols are tucked into the mountain walls surrounding the main temple.
5. Sky Burials: Some pilgrims choose to have their remains offered to vultures on the rocks after passing away at Chayannath.
6. Fluttering Prayer Flags: Colorful flags inscribed with mantras blow in the strong winds, spreading blessings and positive vibrations.
Historical and mythological beliefs
In the Satya Yuga, Lord Mahandeb carried the dead body of Sati Devi on his back while walking and wandering around and finally embraced the dead body of Sati Devi, wherever the parts of Sati Devi fell, Shakti Peeths were built there. In this way, it is mentioned in the same Swasthani vratakatha that while Sati’s dead body was falling, all the remaining parts fell in a place called Chhaya Kshetra. It is said that the Chayan Kshetra mentioned in Swasthani Vratkatha is the place where the Chayannath Temple is located.
Every year, a 30-meter long wooden Jyotinga is erected on the day of Badadasain Ghatasthapana, wishing for peace. There is a belief that it is mandatory to keep lingo as it will cause evil and unrest if you don’t keep lingo. It is said that the signs of good and bad events in the country can also be known here.
It is believed that a person who has reached Chaya Nath once should pray three times and doing so will bring great blessings. Teerthalu says that despite the geographical difficulties, the power of Chayannath does not feel difficult. It has been a religious belief that if you visit this temple, you will never have any misfortune in your life.
How to reach Chayannath
Reaching the remote Chayannath Dham is nothing short of an epic adventure. From the Nepalese town of Gamgadhi, it takes a 3-4 day uphill trek just to arrive at Rara Lake situated 3,000 meters high.
The next leg starts from Rara’s pristine blue waters, leading into a rugged stretch of rocks, ice and increasingly thinner air. Pilgrims take 4-5 days to reach Chayannath, resting in caves or makeshift shelters at night.
The steepest inclines occur near the end at Chhuchemara Pass before descending to the temple. Without proper acclimatization, the drastic altitude shift can cause dizziness, headaches or other issues.
While treacherous, overcoming the journey is considered a rite of passage. The austere conditions and physical exertion prepare pilgrims to receive Chayannath’s blessings.
5 Key Takeaways About Chayannath Dham
Here are the main facts to remember about the holy shrine of Chayannath:
- Chayannath in northwest Nepal is considered the highest and most mystical Hindu shrine in the world.
- It marked the final resting spot of Goddess Sati’s body parts according to legend.
- The difficult journey and sky-high elevation make Chayannath spiritually powerful.
- Thousands of pilgrims congregate here during the annual Chayannath festival.
- Developing tourism mindfully can spread awareness about Chayannath’s significance.
So if you seek adventure, stunning nature and spiritual awakening, a voyage to Chayannath Dham promises an unforgettable experience unlike any other.
FAQS About Chayannath Dham
Here are answers to some common queries about Chayannath:
1. Where is Chayannath Dham located?
Chayannath Dham is locate din Mugu district of Nepal at the height around 4,500 meters from sea level. It lies enroute during the trek from Rara Lake to Mt. Kailash.
2. How old is the Chayannath temple?
While no definitive date is known, the primitive cave temple and idols are believed to have existed from ancient times, perhaps over 2,500 years ago.
3. Who built the original Chayannath temple?
The temple likely dates from prehistoric origins. According to legends, the goddess Sati herself imprinted the location when her body parts fell here.
4. What is special about the Chayannath Mahotsav festival?
It marks the annual occasion when the revered idols get transported from the village up to Chayannath Dham for a divine bathing ritual.
5. How can I get to Chayannath Dham?
The only way currently is trekking uphill for 4-5 days from Rara Lake. Helicopter rides from major cities may become an easier option in future.
Chayannath awaits the adventurous souls who wish to experience a spiritual pilgrimage at the top of the world!