Devighat; where King Prithvi Narayan Shah took his last breath... (Photo Feature)

Nepal Views

Kathmandu: Devighat is a religious and historical site of Nepal. Approximately 60 kilometers (56.6 kilometers) north of Kathmandu is the site, which lies in Nuwakot District.

Devighat is popular as a religious site with the temple of Jalpa Mai. Hundreds and thousands of devotees reach the place to celebrate Devighat Jatra on the full moon day of the Nepali month of Chaitra.

Apart from the religious importance, the place also has a natural significance. The place is also popular for being a confluence of the Tadi and Trishuli rivers in Nuwakot.

However, Devighat also has a historical significance. Devighat is known as the place where King Prithvi Narayan Shah took his last breath.

King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who began the unification campaign of modern Nepal, passed away in Devighat on Magh 1, 1831 BS (Bikram Sambat). According to historical accounts, his cremation was conducted at Devighat per his final wishes.

The stone, which was used for the cremation of King Prithvi Narayan Shah has been preserved at the site. Additionally, a park featuring his statue has been constructed there.

President Paudel garlands Prithvi Narayan Shah’s statue (Photo Feature)

King Shah was born on Poush 27, 1779 BS in Gorkha. Thus, the day is celebrated as the Prithvi Jayanti. People commemorate this day as a day of unification.

He initiated the unification of present-day Nepal during his reign. Before this, Nepal was divided into fragments of kingdoms and Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur); which was ruled by three Malla kings.

(Glimpses from Devighat)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)