There are plenty of getaways around Kathmandu, ideal for mini excursion if you know where to look. Just 6km from the busy metro city and a km beyond Kirtipur, resides an attractive village of Chobhar overlooking the Bagmati River. Chobhar, itself a picturesque, is a home to a 15th century Adinath Lokeshwor Temple dedicated to Rato Machhindranath with an astounding array of metal pots, pans and water containers hanging from the roof, donated by newlyweds to ensure a happy marriage. Popularly known as "Karunamaya" among the deities, Adinath Lokeshwor is a Buddhist pagoda style temple revered by both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims as an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara and Shiva respectively.
Every year the locals celebrate a carnival from full moon of Dashain to that of Tihar. According to Rajesh Shakya, priest of the temple, it all started when a local cow herder found the statue of Adinath Lokeshwor in Nakkhu River and established it in the temple on top of a hill of Chobhar. Since then every year the Kalash from the temple is filled with water from the Nakkhu River and is offered to the god.
Women perform 5 days fasting known as "Nirjala", drinking only the holy water from the temple after they have visited and taken bath in the 5 tirthas. There's a belief that such harsh fasting settles any kinds of dispute between the married couple and ensures a happy married life.
Another attraction of Chobhar is a bathing ceremony held the first day after Ghode Jatra in Nani tole in the presence of the priest. The statue is carried in a chariot by 4 members of Nemkul family from Thasi (small village) to the Nani tole where the statue is bathed with milk. A line of priests belonging to Shakya family have been serving the temple for generations.
Chobhar is a quiet and tranquil small village for a place being so close to Kathmandu; a picture perfect destination for those who crave a little time out from their hectic monotonous life in the city. The simplicity and cheerfulness of the locals, who still live life in its most uncomplicated sense, capture one’s imagination and can bring a pleasant smile even to a most stressed out.
The thick cover of the forest provides an excellent prospect for the bird-watchers and hikers. And for those who enjoy photography or painting, 5am-Chobhar would serve as an enchanting place. The visual landscape and its unique culture is a treat to those who wish to use their images to narrate a story.
