Vishwamitra temple (Ashram of Vishwamitra)

Background

On the banks of the Sunkoshi River, near Rakathum, lies the revered Vishwamitra Temple. According to legend, the great sage Vishwamitra meditated at this very site and is said to have discovered the powerful Gayatri Mantra here. Within the temple is a Shivalinga, established by the sage himself, which is known as Vishwamitraeshwar Mahadev.

The 'Himavat Khanda' references Vishwamitra's ashram, stating: "Where the river Koshi flows with great speed, where the Adilinga of Lord Mahadev resides, there lies the Ashram of Sage Vishwamitra, son of Sage Gadhi."

On the opposite bank of the Sunkoshi River is the 'Kusheshwor Mahadev Temple', which houses the 'Aadilinga' and 'Durgatirtha'. This site is significant, representing the first of the sixty-four sacred liṅgas mentioned in Nepal.

Maharshi Vishwamitra

Vishwamitra (विश्वामित्र) is one of the most revered sages mentioned in the 'Himavatkhanda', located in what is now Nepal. He is recognized as one of the seven 'Brahmarshis' in Hindu tradition. The authorship of much of 'Mandala 3' of the 'Rigveda', including the famous Gayatri Mantra (3.62.10), is attributed to Vishwamitra.

Discovery of the Gayatri Mantra

At the banks of the Sunkoshi River lies the Vishwamitra Cave, near which the sage's ashram once stood. It is widely believed that during his residence here, Vishwamitra discovered the powerful Gayatri Mantra. This mantra, invoking divine light and wisdom, is one of the most important and widely recited prayers in Hinduism. Close to the cave stands the Vishwamitra Temple, further solidifying the region's significance in the sage’s spiritual journey.

Image: Maharshi Vishwamitra in Vishwamitra temple

Image: Inside Vishwamitra Cave