KATHMANDU: The government has recently approved the formation of the Baraha Area Development Committee (BADC), a new cultural site, added to the list of development committees and trusts.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs, Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture had proposed the cabinet establish the BADC in Chatara of Koshi Zone in the Eastern Development Region. The process for the formation of the BADC started about three months ago.

"The ministry has added one more religious development trust," said Rishi Kesh Niroula, under-secretary at the ministry. "The cabinet has recently approved the formation of the same," he added.

"The process to appoint a five-member working committee, including the chair of the committee, has begun," he added. "The committee will get a final shape in about two weeks."

According to the MoFACAPAC, there are currently eight existing cultural sites in the country. They are Pashupati Area Development Trust, Lumbini Development Trust, Bouddha Development Trust, Manakamana Development Committee, Devghat Development Committee, Bhanu Janma Development Committee, Budhanilkantha Development Committee, and Pathivara Development Trust. The popular Baraha Temple at Chatara in Sunsari where Baraha is beautifully carved is believed to be a fifth century establishment. Thousands of Hindu devotees from the country and abroad throng the temple. A religious fair and pilgrimage takes place in the heritage site in November.

Located on the confluence of the Sapta Koshi and Koka rivers, the white temple stands aloft and tranquil in breathtaking surroundings. A big stone lies on the premises of the temple of Barah Chhetra. There is a belief that if one is able to lift this stone without dropping or without much difficulty the person is chaste and without sin. Another belief is that if five or seven people together lift the stone just using their small fingers and forefingers, the persons have committed no sin.

The temple of Lord Vishnu built in the shikhara style representing his boar incarnation attracts the Hindu devotees. It is one of four most holy places in Nepal.

The mythology of this temple says that Lord Vishnu landed on earth in the form of a boar and destroyed Hiranyakashyapu, an evil demon, at this very spot. Colourful folks, from shamans to Indian pilgrims, converge here to pay homage to the one who saved the world from the evils of Hiranyakashyapu.