Vishvamitra temple (Ashram of Vishvamitra)

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 Vishvamitraeshvar Mahadev.

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

Vishvamitra (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 Vishvamitra.

Discovery of the Gayatri Mantra

At the banks of the Sunkoshi River lies the Vishvamitra 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 Vishvamitra Temple, further solidifying the region's significance in the sage’s spiritual journey.