Ancient Holy Temple of Eastern Nepal

Barahakshetra Temple is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage places in Nepal. It is located in Sunsari District in Koshi Province. The temple sits right where two holy rivers meet: the Koka River and the big Koshi River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha, who is the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This holy place is mentioned in many ancient holy books like the Brahma Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, and the Mahabharata. People from all over Nepal and India come here to pray, take a holy bath, and find peace.

Quick Facts and Basic Information

Location: Barahakshetra Municipality (Ward No. 1), Sunsari District, Koshi Province, Nepal

River Meeting Point: Confluence of Koka River (Koka Khola) and Koshi River

Main God: Lord Varaha (Lord Vishnu in boar form) and Goddess Laxmi

Four Main Dhams: Counted as one of Nepal’s four big holy places (Char Dham)

Other Temples Inside: Mula Varaha Temple, Laxmi Temple, Nageshwar Mahadev, and Surya Kunda

Main Festivals: Kartik Purnima Mela, Maghe Sankranti, and Kumbha Mela at nearby Chatara

Opening Hours: Open daily from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Main Activities: Worship, holy river bathing, Shraddha (prayers for ancestors), and photography

History, Story & Temple Life

According to Hindu belief, a demon named Hiranyaksha once stole the Earth and hid it deep under the cosmic ocean. To save the Earth, Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant white boar (Varaha). He fought the demon, won, and lifted the Earth back up on his long tusks. After saving the world, Lord Vishnu and his wife Goddess Laxmi rested at this peaceful riverbank in the hills of eastern Nepal. That is why this place is called Barahakshetra.

The main temple is built in a classic pagoda style with carved wooden roofs and stone steps leading down to the water. Inside, there is an ancient black stone statue of Lord Varaha holding the Earth. People also believe this is a very special place to pray for their ancestors (Pitru Moksha). Taking a holy dip at the meeting point of the two rivers and offering prayers brings good fortune and peace of mind.

During big festivals like Kartik Purnima and Maghe Sankranti, the whole riverbank is filled with thousands of visitors, sadhus, stalls, and night lights. Many travelers also take a fast water jet-boat on the Koshi River to reach the temple, which makes the trip exciting for children and families.

Nearby Destinations to Visit

Nearby Destination	Distance / How to Reach	What to See & Links
Chatara Dham & Kumbha Mela Ground	South (~11 km / 20 min drive or 10 min jet boat)	A major holy town along the Koshi River where the Nepal Kumbha Mela takes place.
Dharan City (Dantakali, Budhasubba & Pindeshwor)	East (~28 km / 45 min drive)	Explore Dharan, famous for holy shrines like Dantakali Temple, Budhasubba (bamboo temple), and Pindeshwor.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve	Southwest (~35 km / 1 hr drive)	Explore Koshi Tappu, Nepal’s famous wetland park for wild water buffaloes (Arna) and rare birds.
Bhedetar Hill Station & Namaste Falls	Northeast above Dharan (~42 km / 1.5 hr drive)	Explore Bhedetar, a cool and foggy hill station with lovely mountain viewpoints and waterfalls.
Rajarani & Muktara Hills (Dhankuta)	Northeast (~75 km / 2.5 hr drive)	Explore Muktara (Rajarani), known for calm lake boating, rich forests, and local Magar culture.
Pashupatinath Temple (Damak, Jhapa)	East along East-West Highway (~75 km)	Explore Pashupatinath Temple Damak, a major Shaivite shrine in Damak-11.

Travel Tips – Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Take off your shoes and leather belts before entering the inner temple.
Try the exciting Koshi River jet-boat ride from Chatara for a fast and scenic trip.
Dress simply and respectfully when walking around the temple and river steps.
Use proper trash bins to help keep the holy river and ghat clean.

Don’ts

No Alcohol or Meat: Bringing, selling, or eating meat and alcohol is strictly banned in the temple area.
Fast River Water: Do not swim far into the Koshi River because the water currents are very strong and deep.
Do not throw plastic bottles, bags, or puja packets into the water.
Do not take photos of people doing private family funeral rites without asking first.

How to Get There (Transportation Options)

By Road from Dharan or Itahari: Barahakshetra is about 28 km from Dharan and 38 km from Itahari. You can take a local bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to Chatara, and then follow the paved hill road along the river to the temple (takes about 45 to 60 minutes).

By River Jet Boat: From Chatara bridge, you can hop on a motor jet-boat. The boat skims over the Koshi River and drops you at the temple steps in just 10 to 15 minutes.

From Kathmandu: You can take a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar Airport, and then drive by car or bus (about 1.5 to 2 hours) via Itahari and Chatara.

Important Contacts & Help Desk

Managed by the Barahakshetra Temple Development Committee and Local Municipality:

Location: Barahakshetra Temple, Ward No. 1, Sunsari, Koshi Province
Barahakshetra Municipality Office: Chatara / Chakraghatti (Website: barahakshetramun.gov.np)
District Police Office Sunsari (Inaruwa): 100 / 025-560199
Area Police Post Chatara: 025-570014
Tourist Police Helpline: Dial 1144 (Toll-Free)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Barahakshetra so famous in Nepal?

It is considered one of the four main holy Dhams of Nepal, celebrating the story where Lord Vishnu saved the Earth as a divine boar.

Which rivers meet at the temple?

The temple is located right where the Koka River meets the big Koshi River.

Can I take a boat to reach Barahakshetra?

Yes! Fast jet-boats run daily from the Chatara bridge, taking passengers across the Koshi River to the temple in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Image & Media Credits

Image & Content Sources: Nepal Tourism Hub Documentation Team & Local Community Contributors

सूचना तथा सुझाव अनुरोध

यस पवित्र धार्मिक तथा ऐतिहासिक तीर्थस्थलको विवरणलाई अझ प्रभावकारी र तथ्यपरक बनाउन कुनै थप जानकारी वा सुझाव भएमा कृपया हामीलाई सिधै सम्पर्क गरी सहयोग गरिदिनुहुन हार्दिक अनुरोध गर्दछौं।

सुझाव पठाउनुहोस्

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Bipin Chaudhary
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सप्तकोशी र कोका नदीको संगममा रहेको शान्त मन्दिर। पहाडको फेदीमा भएकाले यहाँको प्राकृतिक दृश्य निकै मनमोहक र फोटोग्राफीका लागि राम्रो छ।

2 months ago
Santosh Yadav
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पूर्वी नेपालको पवित्र तीर्थस्थल। कात्तिके पूर्णिमाको मेलामा यहाँ ठूलो रौनक हुन्छ, कोशीको स्वच्छ हावाले यात्राको थकान मेटाउँछ।

2 months ago
Sneha Rai
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धरान र चतरा हुँदै पुगिने यो धाम अत्यन्तै मनोरम छ। कोशी नदीमा डुङ्गा सयर गर्दै भगवान बराहको दर्शन गर्दा धार्मिक र प्राकृतिक आनन्द एकसाथ पाइन्छ।

2 months ago
Kalyan Rajbanshi
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सप्तकोशी नदी किनारमा अवस्थित प्रसिद्ध बराहक्षेत्र हिन्दूहरूको चार धाममध्ये एक हो। नदीको कञ्चन संगम र पहाडी काखमा रहेको मन्दिर निकै पवित्र छ।

2 months ago

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