Indradaha : The Pond Where Lord Indra Took Bath With His Elephant
Indradaha
Background
In the Satyayuga, it is believed that King Indra of the heavens came and tied an elephant in a gold necklace and bathed in Indradaha. On the occasion of Indradaha bathing fair on the hill, it is considered to be a wonderful feature to fill Indradaha completely.
Introduction
Dahchok belongs to Chandragiri Municipality-1 of Kathmandu District. Dahchok, located 5 km northwest of Kalanki in Kathmandu, is considered to be a very beautiful and attractive place in terms of natural beauty. There are many places of mythological, historical and cultural significance in the area that can be seen together in the Kathmandu Valley. At an altitude of 2,370 meters above sea level, Dahchok is just 5 km northwest of Kalanki in Kathmandu.
The Government of Nepal has identified 100 places with strong potential for tourism and launched a program to develop them as tourist destinations. Under this, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has also selected Dahchok in Kathmandu district among the 100 new tourist destinations to be promoted.
History
Kalu Pandey’s mausoleum in Dahcho is an important historical site. The site is located in the highest part of Dahchok above Indradaha. According to legend, Kalu Pandey, who was martyred in Prithvinarayan Shah’s first attack on Kirtipur, was buried in a place where his head could be seen in Gorkha district till his death. Until a few years ago, it was only a mausoleum, but now it is surrounded by fences.
During the unification of Nepal, the tomb of the heroic warrior Kazi Kalu Pandey was located in Dahchok, which has further enhanced its dignity. Poothvinarayan Shah used that place as his first choice to conquer Kathmandu. As a direct proof of this, forts can be seen in various places. Another important aspect of Dahchok is the Manakamana temple. Prithvinarayan Shah had built a temple in Manakamana Mai of Gorkha district to gain power for the conquest of the valley. The worship system of the Kot Ghar in the temple dates back to the time of Poothvinarayan Shah, which continues to this day.
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Importance
Dahchok is of great importance as it has the potential to attract not only domestic but also foreign tourists.
Religious and cultural significance
There are many places of mythological, historical and cultural significance in the area that can be seen together in the Kathmandu Valley. Tourist places like Indradaha, Manakamana Temple, Kalu Pandey’s Mausoleum, Dui Odar in Dahchok are the major attractions there. Every year on the full moon day of Bhadrashukla, Indradaha bathing fair is held at Indradaha in Dahachok. Thousands of devotees come from far and wide to attend the fair.
Mythological beliefs
Bhute Odar and Janti Odar at Dahchok are the other two important aspects. According to ancient legends, in ancient times, it was customary for the locals to bring all the utensils needed to do some work in the house of the ghost cave and return it after the work was done. In the last few days, the local elders have said that they have stopped giving utensils due to their unwillingness to return the utensils, lack of sanitation and so on.
There is also an interesting saying about Janti Odar. According to popular legend, in ancient times, a local resident’s house was flooded with water for his daughter’s wedding, so the people were taken to the cave and fed. After that, all the stones of the Janti Odar fell down and died, so the place like the cave is called Janti Odar.
Natural beauty
Dahchok has become an important destination for short trekking enjoying the clean natural environment. Another feature of the trek is the observation of the ancient Manakamana temple built by Prithvinarayan Shah, the tomb of Indra Daha of Kalupande, of mythological importance. It is considered to be a very beautiful and attractive place in terms of natural beauty. There are many places of mythological, historical and cultural significance in the area that can be seen together in the Kathmandu Valley.
Tourist potential
The Dahchok area is very attractive and delightful to anyone who enjoys the clean air and environment of nature, including the scenery, even if only for a moment from the dust, smoke, crowded and concrete urban life of the capital. There are many places of mythological, historical and cultural significance. Due to this, the place can attract domestic and foreign tourists.
How to reach
Recently, a paved highway has been constructed from Sitapaila to Indradaha. You can also reach Indradaha by car.
