Makwanpur Gadhi-Shackled statue of Lord Krishna (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Makwanpur Gadhi is a significant site historically, archaeologically, and strategically.

It is located on a hillock at a height of 1017 meters above sea level. The fort lies about 16 km east of Buddha Chowk, Hetauda along the Kanti Rajpath road.

Makwanpur Gadhi has its history. Before the formation of modern Nepal, it carries a vivid history of the Sen Dynasty’s legacy.

Though traditional, the fort is a masterpiece of architecture. Makwanpur Gadhi reflects the state’s security measures and strategy of the time.

Likewise, there is also a Vansh Gopal temple inside the Gadhi. The statue of Lord Krishna is a major attraction of MakwanpurGadhi. Inside the temple, the statue is shackled with an iron chain, which is the only statue of such kind in Nepal.

There is also a cave below the temple. There is a belief that Lord Krishna used to come and go from the cave. During that time there used to be mustard cultivation in Chitwan. People believe that Lord Krishna used to go to the mustard fields time and again.

There used to be mustard seeds in the temple in the morning. To prevent, any kind of bad omens, the villagers tied the 5-foot-tall statue of Krishna. On Krishna Janmashtami and Thulo Ekasdashi, there is a huge fare organized in the Gadhi.

Apart from the religious part, the cave also has a historical connection. The descendants of Sen Kings in the 13th century began to rule in Makwanpur.

Sen descendent from Lohang Sen till the last King Digbandhan Sen ruled Makwanpur Gadhi as its capital for around 300 years.

The Gadhi also consists of a tunnel. When Gurkhas attacked Makwanpur, Sen King escaped from the tunnel.

People believe that the place got its name “Makwanpur” after King Mukunda Sen. The name Mukunda went through several mispronunciations including, Mukundupur, Makandpur, Mukunpur, and finally Makwanpur.

There is the belief that the Makwanpur Gadhi was constructed during the period of King Tula Sen’s rule.  Gadhi has 3 parts there are Thulo Gadhi, Sano Gadhi and Dhunge Gadhi.

The Thulogadhi consists of 2-2 palaces, a temple, and a water tank. In the South- West of Thulogadhi, at a distance of around 300 meters, there is Sano Gadhi and in the North-East, at around 2 km there is Dhunge Gadhi.

(Glimpses from Makwanpur Gadhi)

 (Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet) 

Nepali version of the photo story