Gaurati Bhimsen (Gaurati Bhimeshwor) Temple is a very famous religious and tourist place in the Sindhupalchok district. This temple is located in Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality Ward No. 6 Pipaldanda. This religious place is located at a distance of about 5-6 km from the Sindhupalchok headquarters in Chautara. This temple, which is about 1828 meters above sea level, is spread over a medium area. From here, one can observe the beautiful views of the surrounding villages as well as the mountains of the Jugal glacier.

A new destination has been added to the Gaurati journey with the construction of Buddha Park near Chautara. Gaurati Bhimshen is the main place of worship for devotees who believe in Hinduism, and Buddhism religion. This is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal. Devotees have been arriving from various places within the district or outside for the worship of the Bhimsen god. Recently, Gaurati Bhimsen has been developing as a religious centre as well as a tourist centre.

It is believed that by visiting Gaurati Bhimshen, Devotees' wishes will be fulfilled. Devotees believe that this temple has supernatural power because it originated at that place and meditated at that place. It is customary to offer sacrifices in the temple after completing what you want.

After reaching the headquarters Chautara area, Gaurati Bhimshen is a destination that must be reached. While travelling to Syaule Harlang Barlang, as it is on the way, you can also enter here and worship. Conservation, development and promotion of Gaurati Bhimshen are done by the Gaurati Development Society and locals. Newar and Tamang's communities live around this area. The Big Jatra held here promote wonderful local art and culture. A very big fair organize in this temple once a year.

Legend of Gaurati Origin

Gaurati Bhimshen temple is said to have been in this place for about 400-500 years before today. According to scriptures or legends, this place was a forest before. In this place, the shepherds used to graze their cows and cattle. At the same time, the cowherd came to know that the cows were milking on a mound at night. And, there is a statement that blood appeared when digging. It is believed that the divine idol appeared from that place. And, it is said that if the idol is worshipped daily, it will be very fruitful.

Thus it is called Gaurati (Gau means Cow and Rati means Night) because the cow grazes milk at night. Legends have explained that the name "Bhumeshwar" remained because it originated from land. Over time, the same name was corrupted by Gaurati Bhimsen. When was this temple created? There is no written evidence of that. However, In 1642 BS, based on the evidence that the local Dal Bahadur Kuwar offered the bell to the temple, it is believed that worship has been taking place here since that time.

Gaurati Bhimeshwar Mela: The biggest religious fair of Sindhupalchok district

In Gaurati Bhimshen Temple, every year on the day of Kartik Shukla Purnima, a grand fair and festival are held. On that day, devotees from different parts of the district as well as from outside districts come to Gaurati for worship. This fair organizes in conjunction with local youth clubs, security agencies, health institutions, and administration. Devotees who did not go to worship at Gaurati on this day come to worship on Panchami day. Especially, this Jatra lasts for two days.

The idol of Bhimsen brings to Gaurati on the full moon night in a chariot procession from Gutighar in the Purano Bazar of Chautara. And, meets with Bhimsen. After that, On the day of Ekadashi, the idol brings to Guthi house from Gaurati. All the members of Guthi also perform worshipping in their own houses. Along with the Sindure Jatra, this Jatra will be ritually concluded the next day.

The fair held on the day of Kartik Shukla Purnima at Gaurati Bhimsen is probably the biggest religious fair in the Sindhupalchok district. At that fair, the main attractions are dance, music, folk songs and sello songs according to their culture.

Conservation, Repair, and Promotion of Gaurati

Gaurati is a very old temple. It has been undergoing maintenance at different times. In the year 2053 BS, the temple was rebuilt and the inscription of the unveiling of the pillar by King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya can be seen in the temple complex. In this temple, the temple is repaired with the money and metal donated by the devotees. Also, a big hall has been built here for the devotees to relax. A public bathroom has also been arranged for the convenience of the devotees who come to this temple.

How to reach Gaurati Bhimsen?

A paved road has been constructed to reach the Gaurati Bhimshen temple. Gaurati Bhimsen Temple can be reached by all types of transport. From Chautara, one can go towards Gaurati through the road leading to Syaule. Gaurti Bhimsen is located after leaving Syaule's path and taking another one towards the top. Devotees from far away reach here by reserving buses. Recently, Gaurati has become a hub for domestic tourists. Since there are beautiful villages, squares and open squares around this temple, people also come here for picnics