Journey to Haleshi Mahadev is to touch soul of Lord Shiva as it is believed as the Pashupatinath temple of western Nepal. Halesi Mahadev cave is in remote Khotang district at the altitude of 1,460 miters. There are two big caves in Halesi which is also famous as Maratika Cave. As per believed Halesi Cave has been used as a dwelling for six thousand years. Lord Shiva hides inside cave to safe from demon Bhasmasur. It is equally important pilgrimage place for Hindu and Buddhist. Special fares and festivals are held during Shivaratri. Ram Nawami and Ganesh chaturthi in the region.
Legends aboutHalesi Mahadev: Halesi is the big cave of 67 feet below the surface from land. Entrance shape of cave is like half moon and faces towards east. Cave is situated at the hilly region of khotang district in between holy rivers Dhudhkoshi to the right and Sunkoshi to the left. Caves are believed to be the three eyes of Lord Shiva. The first cave we see an image of Lord Shiva which is called Haleswor Mahadev as well as the second cave is an image of Nandi, serves as the mount to the Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Lord Shiva hide inside the cave to safe from demon Bhasmasur. Similarly Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava attends hidden treasure of longevity teaching of Buddha Amitabha. Thus Halesi is important pilgrimage sites for both Hindu and Buddhist. Inside the big caves, there are many small caves. Among the different types of caves such as Swargdwar (heaven entrance), Janmadwar (birth entrance), Paapdwar (Sin entrance), Dharmadwar (religion entrance), Parvatithan (place of Parvati), Bhairavthan (place of Bhairav) and so on Mahadev cave and Basaha cave are the most important. A large number of trees grow in that place, the birds sing melodiously and there are many sweetly scented flowers. In front is a self-created lake, and at the distance of an arrow shoot is the self-created, Secret Cave of the Guru Padmasambhava.
ReachingHalesi: Halesi Mahadev as Maratika Cave is in Khotang district eastern part of Nepal. The flight service from Kathmandu to Lamidanda Airport is in operation but service is not regular. It is another 5 to 6 hours trekking to reach Halesi from here or take local jeep which takes about 3 hours more.
We can also visit Halesi Mahadev temple with chartered helicopter. It is 2 hours flight from Kathmandu. 5 seater, 6 seater or 24 seater helicopter can be landed at the heli pad near the temple.
Drive with private 4wheel Jeep from Kathmandu to Halesi Mahadev reach in single day. It is around 325 kilometers and take around 11 - 12 hours. Driving route is via Dhulikhel, Nepalthok, Khurkot all the way to Ghurmi, Okhaldhunga, Jayaram ghat and to Halesi.
The local bus operating from Kathmandu to Katari. From Katari can take another local transportation to halesi via Ghurmi.
14 days Hindu pilgrimage tour including Halesi Rent a 4 wheel Jeep for Halesi
