Halesi-Maratika Caves

The Halesi-Maratika Caves are in the Khotang District of eastern Nepal, near the village of Mahadevasthan. Mount Everest is around 185 kilometers south of the cave and temple. For Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirat, the temple is a sacred pilgrimage site. Hindus refer to the caverns as the Halesi Mahadev Temple, as they are associated with Mahadeva, a form of Shiva, while Buddhists refer to them as the Pashupatinath, as they are believed to be the caves related with the legend of Padmasambhava. The Kirati Rai of the region revere Halesi as the community's ancestor god. According to the Kirat mundhum, a rich oral tradition of the Kirats, their ancestor Raechhakule, also known as Hetchhakuppa, used to remain inside the Halesi cave in the remote past.

The most well-known natural and beautiful cave in the Khotang District is claimed to have been Mahadeva's hideaway from the demon Bhasmasur. Both Hindus and Buddhists visit this important pilgrimage site in east Nepal. The cave has earned the moniker "Pashupatinath of the East." On Shivaratri and Bala Chaturdashi, large religious fairs are held here.

Location: Mahadevasthan village, Khotang District, Nepal