Damodar Kunda welcomes pilgrims

By Hari Krishna Sharma,Muktinath, May 30: Damodar Kunda, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, has now opened to visitors, welcoming pilgrims and tourists alike. 

Damodar Kunda, located at an altitude of 4,890 meters above sea level in Ward No. 4 of Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality in Upper Mustang, has been opened for travel with personal food arrangements. 

Jhayang Chhesa Gurung, Ward Chairman, said that the roads leading to the pond have been repaired and opened for the convenience of devotees and tourists. 

Ward Chairman Gurung said, “Now the pressure of religious tourists will gradually increase.” 

According to Ward Chairman Gurung, free food facilities will be available at the Dharamshala in the Damodar Kund area from June 5 until the month of July/August. The 65-year-old Dandu Gurung of Yaraghara has operated the Dharamshala. 

Roads and footpaths have also been repaired, targeting devotees who go to visit Damodar Kund. After reaching Charang in Upper Mustang via the Jomsom-Korala road of the Kaligandaki corridor, it takes two hours to reach Jhuma Thati by vehicle from there, but since the road is not easy, pilgrims have to ride horses. Those who have difficulty walking are charged a fee of up to 10,000 rupees per horse to go and return to Damodar Kund. 

The committee chairperson, Tashi Gurung, said that the free food and accommodation facilities in Ghimithanti and Damodar Kunda of Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality have recently made it easier for pilgrims and tourists. The committee has also been assisting devotees and tourists in rescue and medical treatment in case of illness. 

Damodar Kunda is the head of Muktikshetra and the source of the Kaligandaki River, where Shaligram stones are found. There is a religious belief that the sons of Kubera bathed in Damodarkunda and washed away their sins. 

There are 3 lakes in Damodar kunda named Chakra kunda, Dudh kunda and Tama kunda. The main one among these is Chakra kunda. While Chakra kunda and Dudh kunda are located in the same place, Tama kunda is about 100 meters away.