“Sindhuligadhi ghumer herda Suntalimai kati na ramro darbar
maryo ni mayale maryo
Bainsa ma lahur gaya pani Suntali mai aauchhu mata pharker maryo maryo ni
mayale maryo”......
It is difficult to find out any Nepali who has not listened above lines and this song help to recognize the Sinhuligadhi in Nepal as a national heritage. This song is sung and written by Krisna Bikram Thapa who has been living in Sindhuli. In this song writer explain about the Suntalimai and Sindhuligadhi Darbar. Suntalimai was the unmarried old woman of Hayu caste and she served to Ranas , she helped to clean the palace during the period of Rana Regime. At that time Badahakim Chhabindra Bikram Rana ruled over Sindhuligadhi later he killed himself by pistol in the security house where Suntalimai lived. Therefore this song helped to remember the Sindhuligadhi at one time. But unfortunately he died May 2008.
Socio Culture and Economic Background
In around Sindhuligadhi, the economy is largely based on agriculture. It is also the major source of livelihood for the local people in Jalkanya VDC and it is backbone of economy of the local people. The people produce different types of grains like Paddy, Maize, Millet, Mustuard and Vegetables. Most of the land is not plain and not suitable for growing food grains crops. But its agro-climatic condition and geographical location is favorable for growing a variety of fruit species like Junar, Lemon, Orange, Nibuwa etc. This place is famous for Junar production. Junar farming is connected with economic rise of the local people.
People are not only involve in the agriculture, they also worked at different offices, some people are involve in different business and some people are work for near under construction BP Highway which gives the employment opportunities for the local people in and around Sindhuligadhi.
Mainly, Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, Newar, Tamang, Rai and Gurung people have been living in and around Sindhuligadhi. They have different customs, tradition and their culture. Brahmin,Chhetri people follow the Hinduism and Tamang, Gurung, Magar people follow the Buddhism and Newar people also follow the Hinduism. Their rituals are also different one to another like marriage system, Birth Ceremony, Name giving Ceremony and Funeral Rites.
Major Attraction of the Sindhuligadhi
A. Natural Attractions
Sindhuligadhi is that beautiful place which gives more pleasure to travelers and gives more recreation to the visitors. The sightseeing view of the green forest and Mahabharat range lure visitors to stay at Sindhuligadhi. The climate of the Sindhuligadhi is always cool and cold which attract to the visitors and makes the peaceful environment. During the month of Magh, Fagun(Jan-Feb) the Rhododendron forest looks like flower-garden. It is rich in flora with varieties in itself as for e.g. Rhododendron, Katus, Kafal, Nilkamal, Sunakhari etc. During winter season, tourist can experience or feel the consoling cool climate with fog that can vanish people in seconds.
The splendid glittering of the Gaurishankar Himal appears in the far convex horizon. Submissive, gesture of goddess Parvati before the god Shankar can amazingly be witnessed virtually at stones throw distance. Panoramic view of Mahabharat range and Ramechap district and high-rise frozen leks are really impressive. It is also famous for as a Picnic Spot and hill station at Sindhuli.
B.Man Made Attractions
Sindhuligadhi is not only rich in nature itself there are also other attractions which help to gain the more knowledge about the Sindhuligadhi. Sindhuligadhi is rich in culture heritage. This historical place is famous for ancient history of the Prithivi Narayan Shah. Also this place is connected with the Unification Period of the new Nepal. Sindhulighadhi is that place where Gorkhalis defeat the British armies. Apart from the legend the historical religious and cultural attractions of the region are:
1. Rani Durbar
Situated at an altitude 1417m, Rani Darbar lies in Mahabharat belt. This historic palace situated 23km north from Sindhulimadhi can be reached by public transport. Built by Bambir Bikram Bahadur Rana, the palace is one of the most beautiful and artistic. This Palace was built in 1956 B.S. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculpture design shows the glorious history of the Rana Regime. The maximum length of the palace is 104’ and maximum breadth is 48’-4” and the roof is covered by Tins. But today it is getting destroyed due to the lack of conservation efforts.
2. Siddababa Temple (Gadhi)
The Siddababa Temple situated 800m east from Ranidurbar and it was built in 300 years ago. The temple has richly carved bells which were offered by the devotees in 1982 B.S, 1977 B.S, 1961 B.S and 1943 B.S. This one storied pagoda temple is the sign of God Shiva. During the festival of Teej women gathers and worship the God Shiva. This is one of the most colorful days of the year of the women and they sing songs with bright red wedding saris. Therefore this temple is famous for Teej festival especially for women.
3. Siddababa Temple (Chayoukot)
This temple is situated in the hilly side of Sindhulimadhi and lies in Chayoukot. A hike of 1.5 hour takes one to this place where visitors can see the beautiful landscapes and valley. This temple is also the sign of God Shiva and also the Kul Devata of the Adhikari People. The temple is just renovated with the help of local people and Shrestha Construction Company. This temple is famous for Mansire Purnima and Baisakh Purnima. In this time many devotees were gathered and worship for the god and distribute the rota as a parsadi. The specialty of this temple is that red tikka and red flowers are not necessary for worship. Only yellow colour is offered to God by the devotees. Devotees also gather here during the festival of Shivaratri. There is also legend of this temple, One Adhikari Brahmin got the success in his meditation and he became supernatural powerful man of this region. People also believe that because of this Sidda place and the Brahmin, this place got its name Sindhuli.
4. Pouagadhi (Aadh)
Pouagadhi situated on the way to BP Highway is 3 km far from Ranidurbar. Local people also called it Aadh. Pouagadhi is that historic place where Gorkhalis defeated the British armies. It is also connected with the history of Unification of the Nepal and it was built by king Prithivi Narayan Shah. This beautiful artistic place is just renovated by local people and Shrestha Construction Company. It is made of stones where Gorkhalis kept their weapon in Pouagadhi in Unification period and the armies used to protect the state from here. The huge door shows the history of the Prithivi Narayan Shah.
5. Bhadrakali Temple
Bhadrakali Temple situated on the way to BP Highways lies 3 km far from Pouagadhi. This temple is the sign of Goddess Kali. During the Dashain festival many people came to worship to the goddess kali and some people sacrifice the animals some people offer Coconut and flowers. This temple is also known as the sister of the Manakamana of the Gorkha. According to inscription carved in bell in 1946 B.S., it was proved that this temple was built 100 years ago. The specialty of this temple is that it has no roof.
6. Ganesh Thaan
Ganesh Thaan situated approximately 5 km far from Sindhuligadhi. This temple is the sign of God Ganesh. Many people came for worship for God on every Tuesday. This temple is famous in Sindhulimadhi. The other attraction of the temple is the water falls which are located near the temple.
7. Kalika Temple
This temple is situated 1 km far from Sindhulimadhi and lies under the Kamalamai Municipality -4, Madhutar. It is said to be built in 200 years ago. This temple is the sign of Goddess Kali. Many devotees gather here during the time of Dashain, Maghe Sankranti and Sahune Sankranti. At that time devotees sacrifices the Goat, Chickens, Pigeon and Other animals. The 7th day of Dashain( Phoolpati), District Police Officers sacrifice the goat and salute by gunfire. At the time of Maghesankranti Dhami people gather here and performed their dance with their musical instrument and customs.
8. Kashiram Falls
Kashiram falls situated in the Kamlamai Municipality-9, Dhovantar is 4 km far from Sindhulimadhi and also lies on the way of Siddababa Temple in Chayoukot. People can walk 15 minute from the bus station of the BP Highway. This beautiful water falls is very attractive but due to the lack of promotion and conservation it is getting shadowed.
9. Bagwani Farm
This Bagwani farm is situated near the Kalika Temple and 500m far from Sindhulimadhi. The visitors can explore the different agricultural products and can also study the germination, plantation, and nursery of the different plants. This farm also produces the different vegetables and fruits like Lichhi, Mango, and Pineapple etc. This farm is suitable for the agriculture students to gain knowledge about the agriculture and one can see the green view of the different plants and vegetables
10. Balan Dance
This dance is performed as a means of rituals performance uttering the name of Lord. There is no specific time to celebrate this dance but in special occasion it is celebrated. Though the origin of this dance is Sindhuli but it is also performed in other places of Nepal.
This dance is mainly organized for group worship, where devotees perform by dancing and singing the name of glory of lord Rama and others whole night. There is a one-group leader who will be assisted and followed by rest of the people and two dancers perform dances. The participants also play different musical instrument. The main objective of this dance is to gain God’s bliss and to extend brother-hood among each other.
11. Kamala Mai Temple
Situated on the confluence of the Gwang Khola and Kamla River, this temple is approximately 10 km far from Sindhulimadhi and lies on the way to BP Highway. It is said to be renovated in 2041B.S. But according to the carved statue of lion, in 1972 B.S. and as per copper inscription in 1974 B.S., it might be oldest temple in Sindhuli. This two-storied pagoda temple is the sign of Goddess Durga. Many devotees gathered here at the time of Dashain, Maghesankranti and Sahune Sankranti and sacrifice the Goat, Chicken and other animals. Devotees also come here from the India and different parts of Tarai of Nepal during Maghesankranti. This temple is famous for Maghesankranti where many devotees came and celebrate the Mela at the day of Masanta. At the time of Mela people gather and sing songs and perform dance whole night. People also sell the local goods at the Mela and also come from very far away places to celebrate the Mai Mela.
