Attraction growing at Buddha’s first initiation site

By Our Correspondent,Parasi, Apr. 2: Anoma Ghat (Triveni Susta), a historical and religious site located in Susta Rural Municipality-5 of West Nawalparasi, has become a centre of attraction for Buddhists.

Known as the place where Siddhartha Gautam left the royal palace at the age of 29 and took his first initiation (Diksha), the area has recently witnessed a significant rise in both domestic and foreign visitors.

According to Buddhist scriptures, Prince Siddhartha abandoned his royal robes and jewelry, shaved his head on the banks of the Anoma River, and began his monastic life. Scholars emphasize that the site holds immense spiritual significance, as it marks the beginning of his journey toward enlightenment.

Currently, efforts to build and preserve Buddhist monasteries in the Anoma region have intensified. Organizations such as Anoma Nepal, in collaboration with local and international partners, are actively contributing to the development of the area. These initiatives have breathed new life into the previously neglected Buddhist sites of western Nawalparasi.

A team of 25 people, led by Bhante Shasandhoj Dharmacharya, chief of Uday Bihar in Tilottama Municipality-4, Rupandehi, and Monk Ananda Esthabir, recently visited the Anoma River site.

According to Ashok Manandhar, General Secretary of Anoma Nepal, coordination is under way with relevant government agencies and international donor organizations to develop physical infrastructure and promote the historical dignity of the region on a global scale.

Singh Bahadur Thapa, Chairman of Jyoti Buddhist Monastery in Shibpurgadhi Triveni, expressed confidence that such tours would significantly contribute to establishing the area as a Buddhist tourist destination.

Sugriva Yadav, Chairman of the local Anoma Buddha Bihara, stated that construction of the monastery will begin soon, with infrastructure development plans already prepared.

The Lumbini Development Trust has also initiated a plan to connect Anoma Ghat with the Buddhist Circuit. According to Deepak Shrestha, Member Secretary of the trust, visits to neglected historical sites like Anoma Ghat will greatly help in promoting both domestic and international tourism.

Tourists are drawn to the peaceful environment of the Anoma River, Triveni Dham, and the archaeological remains associated with Buddha. With improved road access and greater publicity, Anoma Ghat is expected to become a major religious tourist destination in Nepal in the near future.