Kathmandu, August 17 (HS). On the occasion of Janai Purnima i.e. Raksha Bandhan, devotees have started coming to take bath in Nepal's holy pilgrimage Gosaikund. According to Gosaikund Area Development Committee, the religious journey which started from Nag Panchami will continue till Janai Purnima.
A large number of devotees come from Ramechhap, Dolakha, Kabhrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Kaski, Makwanpur, Parsa, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Dhading, Nuwakot districts to take bath in Gosainkund Tirtha. Devotees from many states of India also reach here. There is a religious belief that on the day of Janai Purnima, all the gods and goddesses reside in Gosainkund. By taking bath in this Kund, you will be able to see all the gods at one place and all your wishes are fulfilled.
This religious journey is very difficult and due to it being at a very high altitude, medical teams and security personnel from Nepal Army, Armed Police and Nepal Police have been deployed by the government to help the pilgrims suffering from any kind of illness or lack of oxygen during the journey.
According to the mythological belief about Gosainkund, Lord Shiva himself swallowed the poison Kalakuta that came out during the Samudra Manthan and wore it around his neck for the welfare of the whole world. It is believed that when Lord Shiva struck the area with his trident to soothe the burning sensation of the poison, the same area was known as Gosainkund lake. Gosainkund is also known as Shivkund and Trishul Dhara.
Situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters above sea level, Gosaikund was included in the World Heritage List in Vikram Samvat 2063. Also listed in the wetlands, Gosaikund is a protected area within the Langtang National Estate and is also considered a very attractive and charming place.