Devghat

Introducing Devghat

Hidden away in the forest about 6km northeast of Narayangarh, Devghat (Deoghat) marks the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trisuli Rivers, two important tributaries of the River Ganges. Hindus regard the point where the rivers meet as especially sacred and many elderly high-caste Nepalis come here to live out their final years and eventually die in the sight of god on the banks of the holy river. Far from being gloomy, it's an uplifting place and the calm, contemplative atmosphere is wonderfully soothing after the hectic pace of the plains.

The sacred confluence was first mentioned in the Skanda Purana, written in around the 5th century BC by Indian devotees of Shiva. The best way to see Devghat is to wander around and discover - the modern village is reached by a suspension bridge over the rushing waters of the Trisuli and the streets are lined with ashrams (spiritual training centres) and temples. From about 10am each morning, large crowds of Nepali pilgrims make their way to the exact point where the rivers meet for ritual bathing, wedding rituals, picnics and Hindu cremations.

Western visitors are rare, and as this is a holy place, you should take care to respect local attitudes. Residents are very welcoming but some devout Hindus may be offended by physical contact with non-Hindus, which includes shaking hands and sharing food or drinks. There is nowhere to stay, but there are some basic bhojanalayas (snack restaurants) around the suspension bridge.

On the first day of the Nepali month of Magh (in mid-January), thousands of pilgrims flock to Devghat from around Nepal and India to immerse themselves in the river to celebrate the Hindu festival of Magh Sankranti, which marks the end of the dark months of winter.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009