A month-long Saune Mela has begun at Resunga, a religious and historically significant tourist site in Gulmi district.
Gulmi, 17 Jul: According to Yagyaprasad Panthi, General Secretary of the Resunga Conservation Committee, the temple management committee has organized the month-long fair throughout the month of Shrawan, just like in previous years. The committee stated that daily worship and religious discourses will be held throughout the month.
Devotees from Gulmi and neighboring districts such as Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Baglung, Pyuthan, and Rupandehi, as well as from various parts of Nepal, visit Resunga for worship and pilgrimage.
There is usually a large crowd throughout the month for holy bathing in the pond and performing religious rituals. On the first day of the fair, the number of devotees was especially high from early morning.
Bathing in the pond at Resunga is believed to cleanse one’s sins committed unknowingly. Special fairs are held as part of the Saune Mela on the first day of the Nepali month of Shrawan, as well as on Aunsi (new moon) and Ekadashi (the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight).
From the viewpoint tower at the religious site of Resunga, one can see various enchanting views. It takes around 30 minutes by vehicle to reach the site from the district headquarters, Tamghas. Apart from the month of Shrawan, daily worship is conducted at Resunga throughout the year.
An attractive staircase has been constructed along the walking trail to Resunga, making the pilgrimage more enjoyable and accessible. Devotees from various places gather during the religious fair.
Resunga is regarded as a sacred land of sages and ascetics, a place of penance where many great sages performed spiritual austerities. The significance of Resunga is mentioned in many Vedic scriptures and Puranas as the place where sages like Rishi Shringeshwar, Yadukananda, and Ramchandra practiced penance.
Recognized as a sacred site since the Dwapar Yuga, Resunga has evolved through various eras to become a beautiful and holy land. According to ancient scriptures, when King Dasharath of Ayodhya was childless, he was advised by his royal sages to invite Rishi Shringi from Resunga to perform a Putreshthi Yagya (a Vedic ritual for obtaining offspring). As a result of the ritual, Dasharath was blessed with four sons: Ram, Laxman, Bharat, and Shatrughna, whose births are described in stories from the Treta Yuga.
General Secretary Panthi mentioned that the region also includes sites of cultural and religious importance. There is strong potential for educational tours for students, as well as homestay and rural tourism in the Resunga area. Currently, infrastructure development and the conservation, promotion, and publicizing of ancient, historic, religious, cultural, and archaeological heritage are ongoing in the area.
Resunga’s significance is mentioned in religious texts dating back to the Dwapar and Treta Yugas. Situated at an altitude of 2,340 meters above sea level, Resunga is not only a religious, historic, and spiritual destination but also a region rich in biodiversity.
From the higher areas of Resunga, one can enjoy panoramic views of mountain ranges from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu. Being a high-altitude peak, Resunga enjoys a cool and pleasant climate. In winter, snowfall occasionally occurs in the upper regions, while in summer the weather remains serene and pleasant. The area is peaceful, quiet, and naturally beautiful.
The main town of Gulmi, Tamghas, lies in the foothills of Resunga. The Resunga area is distinguished by its natural, religious, historical, and mythological features.
The term “Resunga area” encompasses the entire forest region, ashrams, religious sites, temples, springs, ponds, resting places (paati pauwa), sacrificial grounds, and ancient ruins. The area is home to 258 species of birds as well as animals like leopards, deer, ghorals, and hares.
To attract both domestic and international tourists, the Resunga Municipality has launched a campaign this year called “Let’s Go to Resunga.” The municipality aims to draw 100,000 tourists to visit the Resunga region through this campaign.
