DADELDHURA: The sacred Shaktipeeth ‘Ghatalthan’, located in Doti Ghatal of Amargadhi Municipality-3 in Sudurpaschim Province, is steadily rising in popularity as a destination for domestic tourists.

In recent years, the number of visitors, especially religious devotees, has significantly increased. Popularly known as Budhi Ghatal, this spiritually revered site is garnering attention not only for its religious importance but also for its growing tourism appeal.

Considered the main Shaktipeeth of the area, Ghatalthan is drawing a mix of pilgrims and general visitors. Krishnaraj Bohara, Chairperson of the Ghatal Area Development Society, confirmed that tourist flow has been notably rising in recent months.

Students from various districts of the Far-West now frequently visit Ghatalthan for educational trips and nature outings. Bohara reported that around 200 visitors—ranging from locals and people from surrounding districts to international guests—visit the site daily. The crowd is especially large on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Located approximately five kilometers southwest of Bagbazar, the district headquarters, Ghatalthan is accessible by a 15–20 minute drive or an hour-long walk.

The main route to the temple passes through Aitbazar, while alternative paths include the Chimirikot–Birkhamba–Tunda–Chamsal trail.

One of the site’s distinctive features is the statue of Ghatal Baba, which stands in the middle of the Doti River.

Visitors are also drawn to other attractions nearby, such as a historic stone water source known as the Naula and a traditional swing called the Hinglo Ping.

Myths and Mystique of Ghatal

Ghatalthan is deeply rooted in myth and mysticism. As local lore goes, when the divine power of the deity is challenged, the lead Dhami (spiritual healer) demonstrates divine might by consuming handfuls of sand and feeding it to fellow Dhamis.

Chairperson Bohara shared that in earlier times, this ritual involved consuming up to 60 pots of sand and water. Today, the tradition continues in a milder form, with the Dhami consuming seven to eight handfuls of sand and water in one go—without any adverse effects, which locals attribute to supernatural power.

Grateful devotees often sacrifice goats in fulfillment of vows and answered prayers. According to legend, the deity was brought from Garhwal, India, as part of a dowry by the childless queen of Dotyali king Nagi Malla.

However, when the deity refused to be relocated from its current position to the palace, a temple was constructed at the present site.

Belief in Ghatal Baba’s power remains strong throughout the western region.

In times of drought, locals perform rituals by chanting pleas for rain and pouring river water into a hole in a rock, hoping for divine intervention to bring rainfall.