Early ripening of bayberry attributed to divine power

By Gokarna Dayal,Baitadi, Dec. 14: The ground around is frosted over because of freezing winter cold, but bayberry, which ripens only in April and May, has already started to turn red in the area.  

Just below the bayberry tree is a cave with a shape resembling Lord Ganesh and locals have been worshipping there for decades.  

Locals hold a belief that the bayberry turned red in December because of divine power. 

Ram Prasad Bhatta, a local religious leader in Sighas Rural Municipality-1, Goledhar, said that the bayberry may have ripened in December to strengthen the people’s belief.  

He said, "I had a dream about this place 30 years ago. As per the dream, as I went there, I found the image of Lord Ganesha alongside amazing cave under the bayberry tree. Ever since, we’ve been worshipping this place."

Dik Bishwakarma, a local who has been worshipping by making a Trishul (trident) for the protection of the cave and the bayberry tree, said that the tree had never been without fruit.

He said, "There is a wonderful cave under the tree. We have been worshipping here for more than four decades placing Dogada Bhumiraj. Our forefathers placed Bhumiraj here to worship the copper utensils in the store when they migrated from Dogadakedar in Baitadi. 

We have been worshipping this place as a symbol of Dogadham.” Dogdadham is a famous temple in the district.

When asked if climate change played a role in the early ripening of the bayberry, he replied that if that is so, other neighbouring bayberry trees should also be seen ripening, but that’s not the case. He said that those who come here for worship always find fruits on the tree above the cave.

Trishul and bells are located near the cave and the bayberry tree. The cave under the tree is worshipped. The cave can be reached by walking four kilometres from the ward office of Sighas Rural Municipality-1, after going down to Kharkewda Bazaar. Siddha Raj Bhatta, a local, said that even people from the Tarai come to worship after their wishes have been fulfilled. 

A detailed study and research have not been done about the cave that was discovered decades ago. Local Deepak Bishwakarma said that there was no information about the length of the cave.  He added that the cave and the tree were being worshipped because they are connected to their house and farm.

The residents of the ward where the cave is located return to worship here saying that their wishes have been fulfilled. Locals said that if a temple was constructed in the place, it would make it easier for the people to come to visit. Religious leaders in the area also demanded that the local government conserve and search the cave.