Rihar is another name for Bagar Baba's holy tourism area. Rihar Dham is said to have originated some 5,000 years ago, according to local elders. The Rihar region is regarded as an ancient shrine of religious, cultural, and historical value.
Introduction to Bagar Baba
The Bagar Baba Religious Tourist Site in Dang Deukhuri has been named one of Nepal's 100 new and developing tourist sites by the government. 5,000 to 6,000 sheep and poultry are sacrificed each year at the Bagar Baba shrine in Deukhuri, Lamahi municipality, Dang district, and the same amount of pigeons.
Devotees have also rushed to Deukhuri's Bagar Baba, a holy site. It is also regarded as a Tharu community's traditional shrine. In the wetland region, there is a close sacred site of the river. It resembles a bag with a drawstring closure.
Taptakunda is another popular tourist destination in this area. A 70-kilogram rock stands in front of Bagar Baba's shrine. This is referred to as bhauri. A loaf of bread is referred to as a bhauri.
The fragrance of ghee on the roadside is another essential and surprising aspect of this location. The visitors who came to the fair, according to the locals, removed the earth off the mound and even ate it. Rihar now has Parshu, Mami Sauri, Ganesh, Kalika, Taptakunda, and Jhankrithan temples, as well as Taptakunda and Jhankrithan. There is a Bhaine Parashuram temple.
History of Bagar Baba
The background of Bagar Baba's holy site's inception has been linked to Dwaparayuga. The name of the region where the sages used to frequent is claimed to have inspired the naming of Rihar, which is said to have begun 5,000 years ago.
The salty material in the region, which is regarded as the core of religion for the period-speaking Yadav people, is known as 'Rera.' The term rera is derived from riha. The water is salty in this location. It was usual to collect saltwater from Dang to feed the livestock in the summer because it was saltier than in the winter.
Cultural and Religious Significance of Bagar Baba
It is common to swear by Chichair in the temple. The majority of the children who visit the temple pledge to have children. 5,000 to 6,000 lambs and chickens are slaughtered at the temple and the same amount of pigeons every year. Bagar Baba, Brahma, Shiva temple, and a hot water tank may all be found at Rihar.
Devotees from all around the world have been flocking to the shrine. For a week in Rihar, Maghi is packed with people. During the night of mid-December and the day of Maghe Sankranti, devotees from all across Dang and adjacent districts and India go to Rihar.
Myth Behind Bagar Baba
It is said that swearing is done by yelling at this temple, and it is traditional to swear in this manner. Bagar Baba, Brahma, Shiva temple, and a hot water tank may all be found at Rihar. There is a religious belief that if you take a bath, your wishes will be granted, the childless will become parents, and skin diseases will be treated.
According to tradition, the mythical name Bangad was changed to Bagar by Belhari. The water of Taptakunda, which Lord Shiva sends from Badrinarayan, is constantly hot in the Satya Yuga. Bathing in Taptakunda is still believed to cure skin ailments by devotees.
If lentils, rice, and salt were kept in the tank and secured in a lock, it is thought that khichdi would have been prepared 50 years ago. After a fly perched on a loaf of bread eaten by Lord Krishna's household, it is stated that Krishna travelled to Mathura as a warning of the beginning of the Kali Yuga.
Uncles and nieces who graze cows in this area are said to have vanished while sleeping. A sleeping statue of uncle and niece can be seen within the temple, and a shrine dedicated to aunt and uncle can be found adjacent to it.
Tourism in Baba Bagar
Devotees have made religious pilgrimages to Rihar from India and adjacent nations to satisfy their philosophies and ambitions. For many Indian visitors, it has become a significant religious destination.
Although Rihar is significant in religion and tourism, it must be safeguarded and promoted, and tourism should be encouraged.
The local administration and others must focus on developing physical infrastructure in the Rihar area, which is advantageous in terms of transportation due to its proximity to the East-West Highway.
To encourage new tourism locations, the government has announced 100 unique destinations.
Beauty and Biodiversity of Baba Bagar
Rihar Dham is a naturally beautiful place that spans 25 bighas. The excellent environment and landscape readily draw tourists due to the surrounding forest.
Rihar is an essential religious location of the country due to the biodiversity present in the dense forest, crocodile protection, development of ponds for wetland areas, and religious historicity.
Rihar has become even more fascinating as Rapti flows peacefully to the south. The residents of Rajpur, Raptipari, who are compelled to take a boat journey, are always occupied.
How Can You Reach Baba Bagar?
Bagar Baba is a holy place in Dang, around 20 kilometres west of Lamahi.