The cave that once bellowed music

By Thakur Senehang,Terhathum, Apr. 21: Nepal has countless natural and cultural gems that remain obscure and unknown because of a lack of promotion and conservation. The Chisyani Devi Cave in Myanglung Municipality–5, Terhathum is one of them.

Located in the middle of a settlement, this cave is a natural wonder as the water that seeps out from the source here remains cold year-round. That is why it is called Chisyani, which means cold in Nepali. According to local Jagat Bahadur Khajum, this water is also heavier than water from other sources. 

Additionally, the cave also has a Devi (Goddess) Temple and people come from far and wide to offer prayers on the occasion of Udhauli, Ubhauli, Chandi Purnima and other festivals, Khajum said. 

Legend has it that, at midday and midnight every day, people would hear the music of Naumati Baja, a set of nine Nepali folk musical instruments which includes Jhyali (Cymbals), Dholak (Drums), two Damahas (large kettledrum), Tyamko (small kettledrum), Narsingha (a long, C-shaped trumpet), two Shehnai (folk oboe) and Karnal (a wide-mouthed, straight trumpet with a bell), coming from the cave in the past. Ninety two-year-old Bhimkala Bhandari claimed to have heard the music live when she was a child. "But that feels like a dream now," she said.

Jhamak Khapung, a native of the area, said that those who worshipped at the Devi Temple had their wishes fulfilled and felt that, if promoted, the place could attract a large number of tourists.

"Tourism would also boost income and enhance livelihoods," Khapung said.

Raj Kumar Senehang, chairman of Myanglung Ward No. 5, said that the local level planned to develop infrastructure to bring tourists to the special Chisyani Devi Cave as well as other religious and historical sites in the ward.