21 feet copper trident installed at Thanapati Mahadev Temple

By Our Correspondent,Ramechhap, Sept. 20: On the occasion of Haritalika Teej, a 21-foot copper trident was installed at the Thanapati Mahadev Temple, a historical and religious site, in Bahunchura of Manthali Municipaity-9, Ramechhap, on Monday.

The trident weighing 45 kg was built at a cost of Rs. 160,000, which was raised through donations.

The Tanapati Mahadev Temple is considered the third Pashupatinath temple of Nepal, following Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and Halesi Mahadev in Khotang. CPN-ULM leader Ratna Gautam from Ramechhap donated the highest amount, Rs. 25,000, for the construction of the trident while Nepali Congress leader Bharat Chaulagain from Ramechhap donated Rs. 20,000.

A significant number of devotees visit the temple during Haritalika Teej, Tulo Ekadasi and Shivaratri.

 Gokarna Raj Aran, ward chair of Ward No. 9, said that this year many devotees from Sindhuli, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Okhaldhunga, Kavre, Dolakha and Kathmandu arrived at the temple to celebrate Teej. He said that since the temple was connected to the road network, people had been visiting it daily. 

The municipality had constructed stairs from the base of the temple to the top. One can reach the temple from the district headquarters Manthali through Chisapani of Ward No. 8 and also Chanakhu of Ward No. 10.

According to the locals, wishes made loudly by performing cow puja at the temple come true. The temple, which is more than 300 years old, is also known as the temple of Baira Mahadev and Budha Mahadev.