Baraha Temple
Koshi
Baraha Temple, also known as Barahachhetra, is a revered pilgrimage site located near the confluence of the Koka and Koshi rivers in Sunsari District, Koshi Province, Nepal. It is one of the oldest shrines in Nepal, mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Brahma Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, and the Mahabharata. The temple venerates Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have saved the earth from submersion and rested here with his consort Laxmi. The current temple structure was rebuilt in 1991 BS following destruction by an earthquake. The complex includes nine temples dedicated to various deities including Laxmi, Panchayan, Guruvarah, Suryavarah, Kokawarah, and Nageshwar, and houses statues over 1500 years old. Baraha Temple is culturally significant to Hindu, Kirat, and Limbu communities, with special festivals attracting large numbers of pilgrims. It is recognized as one of Nepal's Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds a unique place in the Yakthung Limbu religion as the winter residence of the god Dungdung Sammang. The site also hosts a semi-Kumbha Mela every twelve years, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees for ritual bathing in the Koshi River.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit around major festivals such as Kartik Purnima and Makar Sankranti to experience vibrant pilgrimages. Tickets or entry fees are generally not required, but arriving early during festivals helps avoid crowds. Pilgrims from India prefer Kartik Purnima, while those from the hills of Nepal favor Makar Sankranti. Regular visits are common year-round due to continuous pilgrim flow. Comfortable footwear and modest attire are recommended due to temple rituals and walking areas.
Interesting facts
- •Baraha Temple is mentioned in the Mahabharata and several Hindu Puranas, making it one of Nepal's oldest sacred sites.
- •The temple complex contains statues that are over 1500 years old.
- •Baraha Temple is part of Nepal's Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
- •A semi-Kumbha Mela, attracting over 600,000 people, is held every twelve years at the nearby Chataradham area.
- •In Yakthung Limbu religion, Baraha Kshetra is the seasonal winter residence of the god Dungdung Sammang.
History
Baraha Temple is one of Nepal's ancient shrines, referenced in Hindu scriptures including the Mahabharata and several Puranas.
The original temple dates back over 1500 years, evidenced by ancient statues found on site.
The temple has undergone multiple reconstructions, with the latest significant rebuilding carried out by Juddha Shamsher in 1991 BS after an earthquake demolished the previous structure in 1990 BS.
Over centuries, the site has evolved into a major pilgrimage center for Hindu, Kirat, and Limbu communities, maintaining its religious and cultural importance through continuous festivals and rituals.
Place Guide
Main Baraha Temple
The central temple dedicated to the Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu, featuring a large and beautiful image of Baraha. It is the spiritual heart of the complex where devotees offer prayers and perform rituals.
Other Temples within the Complex
The site includes nine temples dedicated to various deities such as Laxmi, Panchayan, Guruvarah, Suryavarah, Kokawarah, and Nageshwar, each with unique religious significance and architectural styles.
