Halesi Mahadev Temple Khotang

Halesi Mahadev Temple (also known as Halesi-Maratika caves) is located in Khotang district of eastern Nepal which lies in 3,100-4,734 ft. above the sea level and 185km south west of Mount Everest. The temple is considered as pilgrimage site for Hindus and Himalayan Buddhists. The temple is associated to Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) by Hindus while Buddhists know them as Pashupathinath and consider them to be caves associated with legend of Padmasambhhava. The temple is located in the hilly area in between two sacred rivers namely River DudhKosi on the right side and the River Sunkosi found on the left side.

The temple is well maintained structure from inside with its beautiful small cave and other several caves found around of it. The temple is one of the oldest and most sacred places and favorite place for spiritual sojourners and is believed that Lord Shiva come to this place to hide from the Demon Bhasmasur and finally killed that demon in the same place. After demon was killed with the help of smart mind of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva with his wife Parvati made this cave as their house. The same cave is holy site for Buddhists too and they believe that Padmasambhava (the second Buddha) meditated there for three month. During Shivaratri, Ram Navami and Ganesh Chaturthi, many people from Hindus and Buddhists come to this place.

It is believed that homage to the HalesiMadadev Temple was Lord Vishnu in the golden age and as time many kings, sages and other important people are paying homage to the temple. During some festivals there is a tradition of observing distinguished ritual ceremonies to the temple for homage tourists. So, the temple is purely religious place with rich in culture and brings pride to the people living in Nepal.