SPIRITUAL TOURISM IN SUNSARI DISTRICT, PROVINCE NO.1
South Asian School of Tourism & Hotel Management (SASTHM)
(Researcher has been working in SASTHM College as a Lecturer of Tourism and Personality Development)
Abstract
This study examines the patterns of religious as well as spiritual tourism in Sunsari District of Province No 1. Due to the large number of festivals and rituals in Nepal, large number of people visits different spiritual places for spiritual tourism. It is found that people visit these places for the religious purposes regardless of its spiritual nature stated in the Hindu mythology. It also examines the significance of the spiritual tourism in the research area. Based upon secondary data collected mainly from Nepal Tourism Statistics 2017 and different websites, the study revealed that the major tourism markets in order of importance were domestic cohort tourist as well as Indian tourist in some extent. It includes many temples, monasteries and cultural spots as well as superb natural scenery. This type of research should look in forward with positive as well as bird-eye view.
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life”
- Buddha
Keywords: Spiritual tourism, religious tourism, mythology, hinduism, cultural heritage.
Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and it is the largest source of foreign exchange and
revenue. Possessing eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot
destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventure. The Hindu and
Buddhist heritage of Nepal and its cool weather are also strong attractions
(www.ecotrek.com.np/nepal/pilgrimage-tour/baraha-kshetra-tour,August 2018).
Nepal has a prime spot on the world tourism map thanks to its celebrated mountains,
particularly Chomolungma, known as Mount Everest in the West. But a new form of tourist
attraction, known in Nepal as "spiritual tourism", is emerging with foreigners visiting the
Himalayan nation not to climb the majestic peaks but to absorb the faith and religious
mysticism practiced by residents. There are many monuments, temples and places which
have long history related to the Hindu and Buddhist religions and cultures. Rajan Simkhada,the concept designer of the Nepal yoga retreat and spa center said, “I see well-being and
spiritual tourism as another area where we can develop as a tourist attraction and help boost
our economy" to the China Daily. (www.chinadaily.com.cn/world, August2018).
‘Spiritual tourism’ can help bring in high-end tourists to Nepal provided the country can develop infrastructure and organize publicity campaigns in India. Delivering a keynote speech in a program, ‘Spiritual Tourism in Nepal: Exploring Opportunity and Linkages’, Ambassador of India to Nepal Ranjit Ray said: “Nepal is known as a spiritual country in India. Many Indians are interested to visit the country and to tap this opportunity Nepal has to develop infrastructure in the tourism sector because people prefer comfort while travelling”. (www.chinadaily.com.cn/world,August2018).
Talking about the Sunsari District, it is one of 14 districts in Province No. 1 of Nepal. There are lot of holy places and spots which are great attraction for the people looking for spiritual tourism. Every place has its own history and importance. Some of the cultural and religious places of Sunsari District are Budasubba, Dantakali, Pindeshwar, PanchaKanya, Vishnu paduka, Ramdhuni, Chataradham, Barahachhetra, etc. (www.inquirynepal.com/pindeshwarbaba-dham, August 2018).
HIGHLIGHTS OF SUNSARI DISTRICT
Location: Koshi Zone/Eastern Development Region
Headquarter: Inaruwa ; Area: 1,257km2
Locals: Limbu, Rais, Magars, Brahmins, Chheti, Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, Newars
Language Spoken: Nepali, Limbu, Newari, Tamang
Connectivity: Dharan lies on Koshi Highway, 40kms from Biratnagar
Airport: Biratnagar Airport, 25 min drive from Dharan, is connected regularly to Kathmandu
ATTRACTIONS:
Natural Heritagesv
Charkose Jhadi- the biggest forest cover in Nepal, Bijaypur Dada, Suli area, Saguri Bhanjyang, Machamara Dada offer amazing views
Mountain Ranges
Saptakoshi- biggest river of Nepal with its 7 tributaries (Arun, Tamor,Sunkoshi, Tamakoshi, Likhu, Indrawati, Dudhkoshi) Bhedetar is one of the best hill stations in Nepal
Cultural/Religious Heritages
Temples at Bijaypur Hill- Dantakali, Pindeshwar, Buda Subbha, Pancha Kanya have historical, archaeological and religious significance. (http://www.myholidaynepal.com/places/Sunsari.html)
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this research is to examine the spiritual tourism in Sunsari District.
- To analyze the popularity of the spiritual tourism spots in Sunsari district.
- To analyze the peak season for the arrival of Tourists for spiritual purposes.
- To analyze the total arrival of Tourists in major tourism spots.
HISTORY OF SPIRITUAL TOURISM
Spiritual tourism is a tourism that is motivated by faith or religious reasons has been in
evidence for centuries. In more recent times, however, it has been suggested that modern
tourism has become the functional and symbolic equivalent of more traditional spiritual
practices, such as festivals, pilgrimages, yoga and holy places. To date, however, little work
has been undertaken to explore this position. (Sharpley and Sundram 2005, drawn from
www.ukessays.com/spiritual-tourism, August 2018)
On the one hand, spiritual tourism may be identified as a specific type of tourism whose
participants are motivated either in part or exclusively for peace reasons (Rinschede, 1992,
August 2018). On the other hand, tourism may be considered as a spiritual activity. At one
extreme it is prescribed as sacred pilgrimage, a journey drove by faith, religion and spiritual
fulfillment; at the other extreme it is prescribed as a tourist who may seek to satisfy some
personal or spiritual need through tourism. Between these two points can be found different
forms and intensities of spiritual tourism are motivated to a greater or lesser extent by
religious or, conversely, cultural or knowledge-based needs. As Smith 1992, drawn from
www.ukessays.com/spiritual-tourism, August 2018 puts it, some religious tourists may be
‘more pilgrim than tourist', whereas others may be ‘more tourist than pilgrim'.
MAJOR TOURISTIC SPOTS FOR SPIRITUAL TOURISM IN SUNSARI DISTRICT
I. BARAHACHHETRA TEMPLE
Among 4 Chhetras in Hindu mythology in Nepal, Barahachhetra is one of them, where others are Muktichhetra, Pashupat Kshetra and Ruru Kshetra. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census, Barahachhetra had a population of 8602 people living in 1695 individual households.According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Varaha or Baraha and protected the earth from being submerged into Patal (underworld) with his long tusk. Then the Lord sat with his wife Laxmi at the bank of Koshi River and the lap of Himalayas and hills. So, the place bore its name after that event. There is a big and beautiful image of the Baraha incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is situated 62 Km away from Biratnagar on the confluence of Sapta Koshi and Koka river. It is mainly dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. There is a stone in front of temple that will examine whether you are sinless or sinful. It is said that only the virtue person can lift the stone. Another belief is that if five or seven people together, are able to lift the stone just using their small finger and forefinger then they also prove that they have not committed any sins. Well, sin or no sin it is the good way to enjoy yourself.
II. AULIYA BABA
It is situated in Barahachhetra Municipality in the place famous for various religious and historical temples, Chatara. Auliya Baba means the Lord Shiva who is said to be the one running this universe according to Hindu mythology. This temple is situated near the main market of Chatara which is 54 Km west from Biratnagar which is almost half an hour drive from there to reach this Temple. This temple is special because it is one of the only temples that are worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims. A bed is kept inside the main temple of Auliya Baba and it is believed that every night Baba sleeps there in his bed and in the morning one can find the bed being used. In the morning it looks like someone had slept there. The bed is made every morning and kept well maintained for the Lord Shiva.
III. KUMBHANAGARI CHATARADHAM
Situated at the bank of SaptaKoshi River, this place is famous for not only the cultural and religious heritages but also for its natural beauties and the chilled environment around the Page 5 of 14 Koshi River. Many people come here for recreational purposes as well as spiritual purposes. This is the place which holds “KumbhaMela” in every 6 years and 12 years where devotees from around the world come to be a part of that holy ritual. The name "KumbhMela" literally means "Kumbha fair". It is a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred or holy river. Yoga is also one of the attractions which attract people to visit this holy place.
IV. PINDESHWOR TEMPLE
Pindeshwor Baba Dham, a temple devoted to Lord Shiva, is located near Dharan Bazaar. This is a temple with the Shiva lingam made of black stone. Devotees from far and wide visit this temple especially during Mondays of the Shrawan is believed to be the best month of Lord Shiva and Monday is taken to be his favorite day. Considering its very high religious importance as narrated in the Hindu Scriptures, the site is gaining popularity and drawing large numbers of devotees especially during the Bol Bam Tirtha Yatra when thousands of devotees dressed in saffron robes come to offer holy water of Sapta Koshi River fetched from Chatara and walk bare foot to make water offerings to the Pindeshwor Mahadev. A visit to this temple is believed to make your wish come true and also cleanse all your sins. (www.inquirynepal.com/pindeshwar-baba-dham,August 2018).
V. DANTAKALI TEMPLE
Dantakali Temple is situated in the middle of beautiful hills of Bijaypur in Dharan. The temple observes the presence of maximum number of devotees in Navaratri (nine nights) during the festival of Dashain. Also, on the occasion of Maha Asthami, mass sacrifices of hegoats take place on the temple premises. The temple is one of the major Shakti Peeths of Nepal. It is dedicated to the Sati Devi, wife of Lord Shiva. According to the legends, after the death of his wife, Lord Shiva carried her dead body on his shoulder and roamed around the earth aimlessly. After her body started decaying, her body parts fell piece by piece in different places and those places later became the Shakti Peeths. It is believed that the teeth of Sati Devi fell on the spot where the temple stands today. The holy book of Swasthani Brata Katha has stated this and given the name Dantakali as one of the forms of goddess Durga. The tooth of Sati Devi is still believed to be preserved in the temple and it is also said that the tooth very much looks like a human idol. The temple holds great religious significance for the Hindus and it is one the must-visit temples during the Bada Dashain festival. (www.bossnepal.com/the-tooth-goddess, August 2018)
VI. BUDHA SUBBA TEMPLE
Budha Subba is one of the most popular destinations in eastern Nepal. It is an ancient Kiranti shrine on the Bijaypur hill in Dharan. It is a pilgrimage for devotees as well as true lovers. It lies at 10 minutes walking distance far from Dantakali Temple and about 4 Km North of Dharan bus park. There are many controversial legends surrounding this temple. According to one legend, a Kiranti hunter Budha Subba and Subbini used to play and hunt on the hill with a slingshot. One day, they accidently hit the tip of a bamboo tree instead of a crow they were aiming for. From that day, the tip of the bamboo tree never grew back. Hence, Budha Subba gave up hunting, buried his slingshot and started meditation. It is the same spot where the temple stands today and the small mound of mud is believed to be the spot where he meditated. According to this legend, the temple got its name from the hunter. The interesting thing is, even today, the bamboo trees in Bijaypur hill do not have a tip and also, not a single crow could be found in the area, despite the occasional picnickers and the offerings in the temple. Besides being the pilgrimage, the temple also holds a significant place in the life of true lovers. The place observes many young couples writing their name together on the bamboo poles, as the legends says that the couples, who write their names on the bamboos here, will be together forever. However, due to the danger of untimely death of the bamboo trees, the couples are not allowed to carve their names anymore. Instead, they tie the colorful sacred threads on the fence as tying the threads is believed to make your wish come true and also unite you with you true love. Hence, the temple not only hold special place in the Kiranti religion but also in the life of the Hindus and young couple. (Bossnepal.com/a-place-forpilgrimage-and-true-love, August 2018).
VII. RAMDHUNI TEMPLE
Ramdhuni is a famous Religious place of Sunsari District and is 7 km far from Inaruwa, the head-quarter of Sunsari District in north. This famous religious site which started burning around the Tartar Era is situated in the middle of the jungle between Singhiya and Risalpur of Sunsari District. It is believed that in Tretayug, when Shree Ramchandra was travelling through the jungle, he spent a night here. And he lit the fire here till than the fire never extinguish.It is believed that many years prior the saint’s only need to chopthe tree and give a slight pat than the log would find its way to the fire. People come here from different places. It is a great place for the people who are into spiritual and religious tourism.
VIII. VISHNU PADUKA
Vishnnu Paduka is situated 8 km Northwest of Dharan and is one of the most ancient places of Hind pilgrimage. On the foot of Mahabharat hill, bear the head of the Koka River, stands the small temple of Vishnu Paduka which enshrines a stone with a foot print on it. It is believed to be of Lord Vishnu. Hindu pilgrimages congregate here in thousands to pay homage to the souls of their ancestors. The significance of this place is not less than that of Gaya in India in this regard. The Hindu scriptures have it that Lord Vishnu himself along with his consort Laxmi offered worships to the Omni present ancestors.
IX. PANCHA KANYA
Another well-known temple is dedicated to the five known women of Hindu mythology: Draupati, Tara, Kunti, Parvati and Mandodhari. Known as Pancha Kanya Temple, this temple was built by King Mukund Sen seventeenth century A.D.
RESEARCH METHODS
This study is based on the descriptive research design. Here it deals with some phenomenal presentation and analysis of secondary data. This data has been analyzed according to the consonance with the stated objectives. Some of the methods are
- Population Sample: the entire tourist who came for spiritual purposes in Sunsari District, enlisted in the research year has been taken as a population.
- Sources: secondary data has been used as sources of the data for the analysis and presentation for the discussion and results.
- Analysis tools: different analysis tools has been used in order to interpret the proper results and discussion like; Table, Quantitative data, Percentage, Pie Chart, Bar diagram and Presentation.
POPULARITY OF SPIRITUAL TOURISM SPOTS
Table 1: Popularity of spiritual tourism spots of Sunsari (in percentage)| SN | Spiritual Tourism spots of Sunsari | Popularity in % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barahachhetra Temple | 25 |
| 2 | Pindeshwor Temple | 20 |
| 3 | Dantakali Temple | 20 |
| 4 | Budha Subba Temple | 15 |
| 5 | Kumbhanagari Chataradham | 5 |
| 6 | Auliya Baba | 5 |
| 7 | Bishnu Paduka | 5 |
| 8 | Ramdhuni | 3 |
| 9 | Panchakanya | 2 |
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017
Figure 1: Popularity of Spiritual Tourism spots of Sunsari (in percentage)
The Table 1 and the Figure 1 show the popularity of Spiritual Tourism spots of Sunsari. The percentage was divided according to the flow of people in these places for spiritual purposes.
PEAK SEASON FOR THE ARRIVAL OF TOURIST FOR SPIRITUAL PURPOSES
Table 2: Peak season for the arrival of tourist for spiritual purposes in Barahachhetra
| Seasons | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 1100 | 1050 | 1200 |
| Summer | 1700 | 1900 | 2000 |
| Monsoon | 1200 | 1100 | 1200 |
| Autumn | 2500 | 2500 | 2650 |
| Winter | 2000 | 1800 | 1950 |
Source: Barahachhetra Municipality, July 2018
Figure 2: Peak season for the arrival of tourist for spiritual purposes in Barahachhetra
The Table 2 and the Figure 2 show the Peak season for the arrival of tourist for spiritual purposes in Barahachhetra. Three years data has been taken as sample and data has been collected from the Barahachhetra Municipality.
TOTAL ARRIVAL OF TOURISTS
PINDESHWOR TEMPLE
Table 3: Total arrival of Tourists (2014-2016)
| S.N | YEAR | NO OF TOURISTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2014 | 35000 |
| 2. | 2015 | 41000 |
| 3. | 2016 | 45000 |
Figure 3: Total Tourist arrival in last 3 years (2014-2016)
The Table 3 and the Figure 3 describe about the total tourist arrival in Pindeshwor Temple in year ‘between’ 2014-2016. In 2014, the arrival of the number of Touristswas 35000 and from 2015 to 2016, the arrival rate is increasing year by year.
DANTAKALI TEMPLE
Table 4: Total Tourist arrival (2014-2016)
| S.N. | YEAR | No OF TOURISTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2014 | 15000 |
| 2. | 2015 | 19000 |
| 3. | 2016 | 25000 |
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017
Figure 4: Total Tourist Arrival in last 3 years (2014-2016)
The Table 2.1.3.2 and the Figure 2.1.3.2 describes about the total Tourist arrival in Dantakali Temple in year ‘between’ 2014-2016. In 2014, the arrival of the number of Tourists was 15000 and from 2015 to 2016, the arrival rate is increasing year by year.
BUDHA SUBBA TEMPLE
Table 5: Total Tourist arrival (2014-2016)
| S.N | YEAR | NO OF TOURISTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2014 | 12000 |
| 2. | 2015 | 17000 |
| 3. | 2016 | \23000 |
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017
Figure 5: Total Tourist Arrival in last 3 years (2014-2016)
The Table 5 and the Figure 5 describe about the total Tourist arrival in Budha Subba Temple in year ‘between’ 2014-2016. In 2014, the arrival of the number of Tourists was 12000 and from 2015 to 2016, the arrival rate is increasing year by year.
FINDINGS
- Barahachhetra is found to be the prime destination for the people for spiritual purposes.
- The peak season for the arrival of tourist in Sunsari District is found to be in autumn season whereas people in spring season are less in comparison to other seasons.
- When compared between Pindeswor, and Dantakali, it is found that people visit Pindeshwor Temple more than Dantakali and Budha Subba due to the lack of security, resting place and other facilities.
CONCLUSION
From the analysis, the researcher concludes that Sunsari District of Provine No 1 has been
one of the most famous touristic destinations for spiritual purposes due to the large numbers
of cultural and religious places with ancient histories.Spiritual and religious tourism on
Sunsari District has brought a new dimension for the establishment of tourism sector in
Province No 1.
But the instable Government after restoration of multiparty democracy, political conflict,
corrosion of ideology, excursion of people, etc. has affected the tourism business even though
in Province No 1. Although, many new infrastructures have been developed in many places
of Sunsari District but it has to be well managed and marketed in order to flourish the tourism
market.
Due to the large number of festivals and rituals in autumn season, large number of people
visits Barahachhetra and every other place for spiritual tourism. It is found that people visit
Barahachhetra in large number than that of other temples regardless of its spiritual nature in
the Hindu mythology.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The findings of the data collected through the process of secondary research for spiritual tourism in Sunsari District, the following things can be made as a policy implication to solve major issues arises in these research areas:
- Certain things such as security, pure drinking water and resting place for the visitors should be added to attract more Tourists in Dantakali and BudhaSubba Temple because the total Tourist arrival is low in these Temples.
- The peak season for the arrival of tourist in Sunsari District is found to be in autumn season, during that period the local authority should have to give more emphasis on these Temples so that the visitors do not have to face any problems.
- Proper road facility should be made in different spiritual places which will make easy for the tourist to reach their destined places.
- Proper facility of accommodation is still lacking in Barahachhetra and Ramdhuni. There are only few numbers of hotels and lodges in that area so people should be encouraged in building new hotels and lodges in order make this destination as a prominent spiritual tourism destination.
- There should be well management by the local authority in all these places, so that this destination will be remaining as one of the prominent touristic destination for the spiritual purposes in Province No 1.
REFERENCES
Jain, B.N. (2009). Fundamentals of spiritual tourism, New Delhi: UBS Publisher Distributors
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Rinschede, G. (1992).Forms of spiritual tourism. Annals of Tourism Research.
Singh, K. (2008). Indian cultural heritage perspective for tourism, New Delhi: Gyan
Publishing House.
Stabler, M.J. (1997).Tourism and sustainability, principles to practice, Wallingford: CAB
International.
Sharpley, R. & Sundaram, P. (2005).Tourism: A Sacred Journey: International Journal of
Tourism Research.
Smith, V. L. (1992). Religious and spiritual tourism. Annals of Tourism Research.
WEB REFERENCES
- www.bossnepal.com/the-tooth-goddess, August 2018
- www.bossnepal.com/a-place-for-pilgrimage-and-true-love, August 2018
- www.chinadaily.com.cn/world, August2018
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- www.ecotrek.com.np/nepal/pilgrimage-tour/baraha-kshetra-tour,August 2018
- www.inquirynepal.com/pindeshwar-baba-dham, August 2018
- www.myholidaynepal.com/places/Sunsari.html
- www.ukessays.com/spiritual-tourism, August 2018
