DADELDHURA: The renowned Shaktipeeth ‘Ghatalthan’ in Doti Ghatal, located in Amargadhi Municipality-3 of the Sudurpaschim Province, is increasingly gaining recognition as a domestic tourist destination. Visitor numbers have seen a noticeable rise in recent years, especially among devotees.
Also referred to as Budhi Ghatal, the site is drawing attention for its religious significance and tourism potential.
Recognized as the principal Shaktipeeth in the area, ‘Ghatalthan’ is attracting pilgrims and sightseers alike. According to Krishnaraj Bohara, Chairperson of the Ghatal Area Development Society, the number of visitors has surged, especially in recent months.
Currently, students from various districts across Sudurpaschim travel to Ghatalthan for educational excursions and forest picnics. Bohara noted that around 200 visitors, including locals, people from other districts, and even some from abroad, come to the site each day. The influx is particularly high on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Situated just five kilometers southwest of the district headquarters in Bagbazar, Ghatalthan is accessible via a 15–20 minute drive or about an hour’s walk.
The main route from Bagbazar to the site runs through Aitbazar to the Ghatal Temple. Alternate routes include Chimirikot–Birkhamba–Tunda–Chamsal.
One of the site’s unique features is the statue of Ghatal Baba located midstream in the Doti River. Visitors can also explore historical landmarks like the stone Naula and the traditional Hinglo Ping swing.
The Power and Legend of Ghatal
Ghatalthan is steeped in spiritual lore. According to tradition, when someone questions the power of the deity, the lead Dhami (shaman) demonstrates divine strength by eating sand himself and feeding it to other Dhamis.
Chairperson Bohara shared that such rituals once involved the Dhami consuming as many as 60 pots of sand and water. Today, it is still common to witness the Dhami swallowing seven to eight handfuls of sand and water in a single gulp—without experiencing any health issues—attributed to divine protection.
Worshippers whose wishes are fulfilled often offer goats in gratitude. Folklore suggests that the deity was originally brought from Garhwal, India, as dowry by the childless queen of Dotyali king Nagi Malla.
However, when the deity could not be relocated from its current location to the royal palace, the temple was established where it now stands.
Devotees from across the western region believe that Ghatal Baba grants wishes. In times of drought, locals perform a special ritual by chanting “Give me water” and pouring river water into a rock crevice, praying for rain.
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