Jhapa, February 5:

Kichchakbadh Kunda, a historical pond mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, in Jhapa is at the risk of losing its natural and historical charms, thanks to constant erosion by Deunia River in the north and Mechi River in the east.

Situated 10 km from Bhadrapur, the pond is spread over 10 bighas of land and borders

Maheshpur and Prithvinagar VDCs.

According to the Mahabharata, Kichchakbadh is the place where Bhim had killed Kichchak, the chief of king Birat’s army.

The Department of Archaeology had excavated the place three times and had claimed to have found traces of a bungalow near the pond. It is believed that Bhim bathed in the pond after killing Kichchak.The place wears a festive look on the full moon day of February, drawing visitors from many parts of Nepal, India and Bhutan.

There are temples of Shivapanchayan and Durga and a statue enacting the killing of Kichchak near the pond. The place has also been developed as a popular spot for picnic and recreation.