Chhabdivarahi is a renowned Hindu religious site in Tanahun District, located at the origin of the Chhabdi River. The temple lies approximately 150 km west of Kathmandu, 57 km east of Pokhara, and about 7 km east of the district headquarters of Tanahun, in the central region of Nepal. Owing to its religious importance, mythological background, and natural setting, Chhabdivarahi holds a special place in Nepal’s spiritual landscape.
According to the Shrimad Devi Bhagwat, the great sage Rishi Vedvyas meditated at this site to worship Goddess Jaldevi. His devotion was dedicated to fulfilling a wish in memory of his mother, Satyavati (also known as Matsyagandha). Pleased with his intense meditation, the goddess granted him a boon and agreed to reside at this sacred place in the name of his grandmother. As a result, the goddess is believed to remain in the pond in the symbolic form of a spiritually powerful golden-hinged fish.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Chhabdivarahi is revered as the goddess of power and is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees. Certain traditional practices are strictly followed at the temple. Women are prohibited from entering the temple premises during menstruation, and married women’s husbands are also required to observe this restriction. If any fish in the sacred pond dies, the temple priest must perform full Hindu rituals according to tradition.
Within the temple complex, there is also a Bhimsen temple along with several statues of other Hindu deities, adding to the site’s religious and cultural richness. Animal sacrifice is traditionally practiced at the Varahi Temple; however, sacrifices are strictly prohibited on Aunsi, Ekadashi, and throughout the month of Srawan.
Tourism and Visitor Experience
The temple receives a steady flow of devotees throughout the year, except on restricted days. While the site was traditionally visited only by Hindu worshippers, it has now become a popular destination for people of diverse backgrounds. Visitors include domestic and international tourists, students on educational and cultural tours, and families visiting for picnics.
With planned improvements in infrastructure and better temple management, Chhabdivarahi is expected to attract an increasing number of national and foreign tourists in the near future, strengthening its role as an important religious and cultural tourism destination in Tanahun