Baghdhar

Bagdwar: The Source of the Bagmati River
Bagdwar is the origin point of the Bagmati River. Thanks to its clean drinking water, fresh environment, and lush green hills and forests, Bagdwar has become a favored destination for many, and this would not be an exaggeration. The area is under the protection of the Nepal Army, and falls under the jurisdiction of Shivapuri National Park, currently managed under the command of a major. For visitors and tourists, it is a delightful place to explore.

Within Shivapuri National Park, there are several important religious sites for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. Key pilgrimage destinations include Bagdwar, Jamacho, Vishnudwar, Tarebhir, and Nagi Gompa. At the beginning of the Nepali New Year, devotees from the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas come to Bagdwar (source of the Bagmati) and Vishnupaduka to perform ritual bathing and worship.

From the northern side of Shivapuri, one can enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas, while the southern slopes offer panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The main trekking trail to Helambu, once a favorite among tourists, also passed through this national park area, although now a motor road has been built. This route connects Jorpati, Gokarneshwar, Sundarijal, and Dhap Dam to Chisapani in Sindhupalchok.

Bagdwar is considered the source of the Bagmati River, named because it emerged from the mouth-like gateway (dwar) of Lord Shiva, where his voice (vag/vak) was said to have manifested. According to ancient scriptures like Himavatkhanda (Chapter 86), during the time of creation, there was a scarcity of water. In response, Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared at Mrigendra Shikhar (the peak of Shivapuri). As Shiva granted a boon, a drop of his saliva (called Brahma Bindu) fell to the earth, giving birth to the Bagmati River.

Similarly, the Swayambhu Purana mentions that during the time of Krakuchhanda Tathagata Buddha, when there was a shortage of water for monks to bathe, water was miraculously created through a spoken mantra. Since the water originated from a spoken word (vakya), the river was originally called Vakyamati, which over time came to be known as Bagmati.

Bagdwar lies about two and a half kos (approximately 7.5 km) uphill from Sundarimai Temple, located at the summit of Shivapuri, at an altitude of 2,650 meters above sea level (as per a 1974 publication by the Department of Information, Nepal).

The Bagmati River, from its source at 2,650 meters down to Katuwal Daha (at 1,140 meters above sea level), spans approximately 44 kilometers. The total watershed area of the river within this stretch is around 157 square kilometers (according to the Department of Survey, 1998).