Panchadeval in Baitadi constructed by Shridevi, not by Pandavas, claims ex-CM Rawal

By Gokarna Dayal

Baitadi, Jan.17: The construction of Panchadeval in Baitadi, listed in the Department of Archaeology’s heritage conservation programme and featured on postal stamps and the Dasharathchand Municipality’s logo, is claimed to have been led by a courageous woman named Sridevi.

 Former Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province, Rajendra Singh Rawal, stated that the Panchadeval was constructed under the leadership of Shridevi in the 14th century.

Located at Devalha in Dasharathchand Municipality-4, the historical temple built in the Shikhara style has a newly uncovered story, according to Rawal. He asserted that Panchadeval was constructed in the year 1421 of the Saka Sambat by Shridevi in memory of her son, Garuda (Gyan) Chand.

 Rawal added that this claim is based on evidence derived from archaeological sources, research done for 17 years and as documented in the English book, The History of Medieval Doti (1235–1712).

He clarified, "Panchadeval was not built by the Pandavas. It was constructed under the direction of Shridevi of Baitadi. After King Ripu Malla of Doti killed Garuda Chand, his mother Shridevi built the temple to safeguard weapons and other treasures." 

Among the stored items was a turtle shell, reportedly used during rituals.

Rawal further explained, "Although Garuda Chand’s real name was Gyan Chand, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir gave him the title 'Garuda Chand' after he managed to shoot down a mythical eagle-like bird flying in the sky."

As claimed by Rawal, historical evidence aligns with the findings of the Department of Archaeology, which discovered swords, gold, silver and other artefacts during the temple's restoration 11 years ago. Uddhav Markand, a local youth, corroborated these findings.

Rawal’s research-based book, The History of Medieval Doti, has been included in the curriculum of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Far Western University.

The Nepalese government, through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the Department of Postal Services, has issued stamps featuring an image of the historic Panchadeval temple.

The Panchadeval temple contains historical inscriptions, swords, shields, gold, silver, and earthenware. During the restoration work, the Department of Archaeology found these historical objects, which are now preserved in Panchadeval.