Supa Deurali is a temple of a form of Goddess Bhagwati situated on a remote hill in Nepal, where devotees come from every corner of Nepal. Thousands of devotees also come from India’s UP, Bihar and Bhutan. Supa Deurali is not only famous as a major religious place of Nepal, it is also recognized as a major tourist destination. About three kilometers away from Supa Deurali Devi site, there is a hilly place called Narpani where the resorts attract people. There is always a crowd of Indian tourists here. This site is located in Sandhikhark municipality of Arghakhanchi district of Lumbini region of Nepal. -Yashoda Srivastava
Origin and legend
It is said that in ancient times this area was a deserted place surrounded only by forests and hills. One day a cowherd came here while grazing his cows and saw that milk was flowing from a stone on its own. He was surprised and returned to the village and informed everyone about this. The villagers reached there and started worshiping. Gradually the divine form of the Goddess appeared from there and that place came to be known as Supa Deurali. In the local language, ‘Supa’ means ‘high’ or ‘glorious’ and ‘Deurali’ means ‘mountain pass’ or ‘resting place’. That means ‘the temple of the goddess situated on a high hill.’ By coming and worshiping at this temple, all kinds of wishes are fulfilled, but it is said that unmarried girls come here and worship for a beautiful and happy groom.
natural beauty
The greenery around the temple, the mountain ranges and the far-reaching Himalayan views make this place amazing. In the morning, the sun rising through the misty hills and the echo of the temple bells make the atmosphere spiritual.
Message of faith and humility
A miraculous incident is still famous in local folklore. It is said that many years ago a Nepali soldier, who had served in the British Army, was returning to his village after taking leave. When he reached Supa Deurali full of pride, the villagers advised him to visit the goddess, but the arrogant army soldier laughed and said, “I am a soldier, what can any of the gods and goddesses do to me?” Then he went near the temple and placed his foot on a stone mockingly and said some sarcastic words. Then suddenly his body stuck to the same stone. The villagers became frightened and the priest was called. The priest prayed to the goddess apologizing and only after hours of prayer was the young man freed from the stone. He fell crying at the feet of the goddess and apologized and repented for his mistake. Even today that place is called “Sainik Taseko Dhunga” i.e. “the place where the soldier was stuck”. Devotees coming there also seek blessings from the Goddess by offering flowers, incense and lamps.
living symbol of humility
Supa Deurali Temple is not just a religious place, but a living symbol of reverence, devotion and humility. This place teaches us that strength lies in faith and humility. This sacred land of Arghakhanchi still keeps the lamp of faith lit for the devotees, where the fragrance of devotion and the grace of the Goddess is felt at every step.
This is how we reached the temple
Supa Deurali Temple is a wonderful confluence of reverence, faith and natural beauty. Situated on a hilltop at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. To reach here, one has to come through Arghakhanchi via Butwal inside Nepal, whereas one has to come through Badhani, Khunwa, Kakarhwa etc. on the Indian border. Its distance from Badhni, Khunuva is 75 to 100 km, while from Kakarhwa this distance increases slightly. As far as the means are concerned, if you are using your own means, then it will cost you Rs 350 per day in Indian currency and if you want to go by Nepali means, then Nepali bus or Binger is always available from Dang, Nepalganj to Arghakhanchi.