Dhuleshwor

Dhuleshwor
Dhuleshwor Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Dailekh
Deity	Shiva
Festivals	Bada Dashain
Location
Location	Badalamji, Dullu Municipality
State	Bheri
Country	Nepal
Dhuleshwor Temple in Nepal
Geographic coordinates	28.88°N 81.61°E / 28.88; 81.61
Architecture
Type	Pagoda Style
Specifications
Temple(s)	4
Inscriptions	Written in Stone
Elevation	544 m (1,785 ft)

Dhuleshwor (Nepali: धुलेश्वर) is one of religious affairs in Dailekh district in Karnali Province. It is one of the five places under the Panchkoshi, the five holy places of Dailekh. This site is located at Badalamji village of Dullu Municipality. Here, the temple is organized for auto generation of dust from underground. Scientists have examined it as a minor epicenter of volcano, though religious faiths believes on divine power. Dhuleshwor temple is known as the prime of Panchkoshi, among Padukasthan, Shirsthan, Nabhisthan and Kotilasthan. According to Ancient holy flame myth and Vaishvanara myth, Kotilasthan does not come under Panchkoshi but comes. Kotilasthan being a shakti peeth, since a long time ago it has been listed under this. As per Panchkoshi, a pilgrimage must begin from Padukasthan, Shirsthan, Nabhisthan and finally end up living a night at Dhuleshwor. Vaishvanara myth indicated on it's snow fairy episode this places as more saintly then Flame Mountain Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Backgrounds

Dhuleshwor Temple surroundings includes Flame house, Bhairab Temple, Masta Temple, Gaadi house and Shiva Temple. The Flame house includes 2 stone inscription written in Nepali language, though the writings have worsen. On one, written about the then King Rajendra Bikram Shah established the temple on 1748 BS and Colonel Kulman Singh Basnet making the roof of the temple in 1778 BS. Most of the place are destroyed and idols were lost during Nepalese Civil War. On 26th Chaitra 2067, at night some one looted the statues of Narpateshwor Mahadev and other statues from Flame house. At the flame house, during the holy worship wind with dust (dhulo) comes from under the ground, thus it's called "Dhuleshwor", meaning lord Shiva's incarnation as of dust. There is a Shivling at the center of this temple. On one side of Shivling there is Shiva's Ox (Nandishwor) and lion on the next side. Along with that Kal Bhairav, Baal Bhairav and Batuk Bharav statues can be found at the premises. By giving the sacrifice of animals Kaal Bhairav is worship while rest two are worship by making the shower of milk over it. Like wise a Masta god statue is worshiped with milk at the premises. Mostly, these are worshiped during Chaite Dashain and Bada Dashain. On the normal days, daily worship is done by a bachelor saint.

Flame house of Duleshwor Mahadev

Shivaling at Dhuleshwor

Other places

Nandi nearby Shivaling

There is tradition to bath at Banganga and Brahamkund, located the bottom of the Dhuleshwor. On Baleshwor Temple, believed to perform funerals. Along with Dhuleshwor, need to worship Dulange Hill or Naag Snake. Badalamji located here is even worshiped as religious and historical values.

Mythology

On Mythological period, Lord Shiva's wife Sati has suicide by jumping on the holy flame after her father insulted her husband. After her death, Shiva started to walk around by taking wife's dead body and behaved like a mad. Seeing this and Kailash Parvat empty, as other gods were not able to run the creation smoothly, Lord Bishnu created bacteria that could decay her body. On this order, wherever Sati's decayed body parts fell on the earth are made Shakti Peethas. At Dhuleshwor, Sati's body converted to dust, thus this place is called as Dhuleshwor, meaning an incarnation of Shiva as dust. This place was unknown, unless the Shivaling came in sight of a saint Nadiban. He started to worship alone, hidden and soldiers from Kathmandu came to arrest as he was complaint by others. When the soldiers was taking him to Kathmandu, he returned back saying he will come soon later but he reached to the palace before the soldiers. The then king of Kathmandu examined him and realized some power on his mediation declared a site to worship. After then, Nadiban's offspring has been saints and priests of this temple. Even after death, they are graved on the temple premises.

Route

This place can be reached by Karnali Highway way to Dailekh till Dullu Municipality on vehicles. Can be reached to the gate using by another sub route by Dadumadi route vehicles. Even could be reached by foot within an hour. On going by foot, Khas King Naagraj's winter capital or the capital of the then poweful 22 principalities (Baise rajya) and 24 principalities (Chaubisi rajya) could be seen. On the way, Nepal's first petrograph Kriti khamba, remaining of Dullu palace, heritages, Bal Narsingh Kunwar's throne at Baleshwor Temple, and other religious and historical sites can be observed.