Himalayan News Service

Tanahun, January 4

Shiva Panchyan temple on the banks of the Sukla River is a popular shrine in Tanahun.

The temple, near the Byas cave in Ward No 10 of the Byas municipality, comprises five different temples with idols of Lord Ganesh, Bishnu, Surya, Shiva and Goddess Durga, according to the priest Tanka Upadhya. He says the Shesnag, idols of various deities, a pond, Akhanda Dhwani, Kotihome Mandap, Maharshi and several epics, draw pilgrims from far and wide, especially during occasions like the Maghe Shakranti, Thule Ekadeshi, Shivaratri, Chaite Dashain and Kristhjanmasthi.

Though most of the people visit the temple during festivals, some 100 to 200 people throng the place every day, says Harkaman Shrestha, a member of the temple conservation committee.