Swargadwari

Sworgadwari / Swargadwari
स्वर्गद्वारी
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Pyuthan District
Deity	Lord Narayan or Bishnu, Lord Shiva
Festivals	Baisakh, Kartik Purnima
Location
Location	Mahabharat Range
State	Rapti Zone
Country	Nepal
Shown within Nepal
Geographic coordinates	28°7′16.68″N 82°40′24.55″E / 28.1213000°N 82.6734861°E / 28.1213000; 82.6734861
Architecture
Date established	1895 A.D (1952 Baisakh Purnima B.S.)
Elevation	2,100 m (6,890 ft)

Sworgadwari (स्वर्गद्वारी pronounced [swʌrɡʌdwaɾi]) is a hilltop temple and pilgrimage site in Pyuthan District, Nepal, commemorating the special role of cows in Hinduism. It is said to have been founded by Guru Maharaj Narayan Gautam Khatri,^[1] also known as Swami Hamsananda, who spent most of his life in the area, herding and milking thousands of cows.^[2][3] According to traditional stories, some of his devotees tried to follow him to see where he took the cows, but they were never able to find him. According to older people in the locality, he came from Rolpa to the present temple site and asked the owner of that land (the landlord) to donate the land to him. He dug into the ground and found curd, rice, and fire. He explained that these items were buried by the Pandavas during the Dvapara Yuga, when they worshipped at this site before departing to heaven. The landlord was astonished. He agreed to hand over the land instantly. Since then, the holy fire has burned continuously. The Bivut (ash) from the firewood burned in the holy fire is believed to cure various physical disorders like headaches and stomachaches.

Before he left his physical body, the guru bestowed some of his powers upon a few disciples. On the day he willingly departed his physical body, by his own will, many people gathered around him at the place where he usually meditated. The guru left his body after bidding goodbye to his disciples and other followers. His favorite cow also died at the same moment, and the rest of the cows miraculously disappeared within a few days. There are accounts of cows emptying their milk by themselves each day at the same time, at the place where the Guru passed away. He performed many miracles during his lifetime. Once, he warned the Rolpali cowherds not to take their cattle to graze in a particular area, foretelling a huge landslide. However, they ignored his warning and were swept away by the landslide. He often told the fortunes of devotees. He was so kind that no one left the temple without receiving food. He helped the poor build their houses. He also taught Vedic and other religious scriptures to children. These children may perform Vedic worship in the temple after completing their studies. However, this is not mandatory.

Swargadwari is considered one of Nepal's top pilgrimage sites^[4][5] and is listed in the national inventory of cultural and historic heritage sites.^[6]

As of 2009, a cable car to the temple complex was under construction.^[7] In the aftermath of the 1996-2006 Nepalese Civil War, donations of straw and hay had diminished to the point where resident cattle at Swargadwari were in danger of starving.^[8][9]

Swargadwari is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites, located in the southern part of the Pyuthan district. The primary visitors to this religious site are Nepalese and Indian pilgrims. Swargadwari is also popular for trekking. It takes two days to reach Swargadwari on foot. The footfall in Swargadwari increases dramatically in June and July. Swargadwari can be accessed by two routes: one from Bhingri, and another from Ghorahi. It takes approximately four hours to reach Swargadwari from Bhingri and around 8 hours from Ghorahi, in Dang. The routes, however, are extremely scenic. The route from Dang is considered more dangerous than the road from Bhingri. This road has been recently rerouted for improved safety and a smoother journey. It lies on the top of the hill, surrounded by pine forests. There are numerous rhododendron trees along the route and within Swargadwari itself.^{[citation needed]}