BAGHDWAR - The origin of Bagmati

Baghdwar, the place from where the holy river of Bagmati originates, is one of the most religious and tranquil places that you will come across throughout your hike in the Shivapuri hills. The solitary place where the famous Todke Baba resides, the appeasing Mahakaruna tupa, the serene sound of the flowing water from the gargoyle style tiger's mouth, sanctified statue of Lord Shiva with his sacred instruments right in middle of the huge pond, and a dark intimidating cave like structure with different deities placed inside and outside it would be some of the interesting components you wouldn't want to take your eyes off from! While gazing at these very components, you might notice remains of worships like the tikas, essence sticks and ritual cloths on some of the deities. Well, this is because, throughout the year, many festivals are celebrated here by the devotees. For instance, during the month of April/May (specifically, on the day when the Nepali New Year falls), people come here, pay homage and worship their deities wholeheartedly before ascending to the Shivapuri hills. For your knowledge, this festival is also a part of the famous Sapana Tirtha Mela. Being a place of such high religious importance, no wonder there are told and untold stories associated with it. According to the Swayambhu Purana (a Buddhist Scripture), Krakucchanda, the fourth form of Lord Buddha, went to Shivapuri Hills to preach the noble truths of life. During this time, many devouts came to hear him in order to confer the holy orders. Since there was no water there at that time, Krakucchanda, with the power of his voice, created a huge stream at Bagdwar. Well, this stream is named as the Bagmati river which flows eastwards breaking the ridge bounding the valley on the north side at Sundarijal. Be the story any (even if they're not supported by any kind of concrete research) , this place never fails to spellbound its visitors by its mystic beauty and folk tales. Please refer to 'Baghdwar's Assets' in the attraction section of our app for further folded and unfolded stories about these religious beauties!