Swargadwari
Hindu temple in Rapti Zone, Nepal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sworgadwārī (स्वर्गद्वारी pronounced [swʌrɡʌdwaɾi]) is a hilltop temple and pilgrimage site in Pyuthan District, Nepal, commemorating the special role of cows in Hinduism. It is said to have been founded by Guru Mahārāj Nārāyaṇa Gautama Khāṭrī,[1] also known as Svāmī Hamsānanda, who spent most of his life in the area, herding and milking thousands of cows.[2][3]
| Swargadwārī | |
|---|---|
स्वर्गद्वारी | |
| |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Pyuthan District |
| Deity | Nārāyaṇa or Viṣṇu, Śiva |
| Festivals | Vaiśākha, Kārtika Pūrṇimā |
| Location | |
| Location | Mahābhārat Range |
| State | Rapti Zone |
| Country | Nepal |
  Shown within Nepal | |
| Coordinates | 28°7′16.68″N 82°40′24.55″E |
| Architecture | |
| Established | 1895 A.D (1952 Vaiśākha Pūrṇimā B.S.) |
| Elevation | 2,100 m (6,890 ft) |
Swargadwārī is considered one of Nepal's top pilgrimage sites[4][5] and is listed in the national inventory of cultural and historic heritage sites.[6]
As of 2009, a cable car to the temple complex was under construction.[7] In the aftermath of the 1996-2006 Nepalese Civil War, donations of straw and hay had diminished to the point where resident cattle at Swargadwārī were in danger of starving.[8][9]