SATV, Kathmandu, April. 03 - The Singa Tatopani kunda (hot water spring) area in Beni Municipality-4 of Myagdi has recently begun attracting increased attention due to its growing religious and cultural activities.
The number of devotees visiting the site has risen significantly since the Tatopani Kunda Management Committee began organising evening Ganga Aarti, which has been held regularly every Monday since mid-July 2024.
Krishna Khadka, Chairperson of the Tatopani Kund Management Committee, said that the Ganga Aarti, organised every Monday evening, sees active participation from devotees who come to bathe in the hot water spring.
Most devotees visiting Tatopani for religious reasons take part in the Aarti and experience spiritual bliss. He added that this has helped establish the hot water spring area not only as a natural healing site but also as a religious centre.
Regular morning and evening prayers are held at the Jalakundaleshwar Mahadev Temple located in Tatopani. A priest has been appointed to manage temple services and conduct worship, ensuring that religious activities continue consistently.
The expenses for conducting the Aarti programme are covered through voluntary donations from devotees and religious enthusiasts.
According to Sudip Gautam, the temple’s priest, the main attractions include Jaldhara, Abhishek, Rudri recitation, the lighting of 108 lamps every Monday and the Ganga Aarti.
Alongside religious activities, the cultural aspect of the Tatopani area is also progressing strongly. The Tol Bikas Sanstha has been organising cultural programmes every Friday evening. The main objective is to preserve local art, culture, and traditions and pass them on to the new generation.
Such events have provided an important platform for local artists to showcase their talents. In addition, these initiatives have played a significant role in preserving and promoting original art and culture, said Deepak Baniya, President of the Singa Tatopani Tol Bikas Sanstha.
For talented artists, this has become not only an opportunity to perform but also a source of income. Tatopani, a beautiful confluence of religion and culture, is now also developing as an attractive destination for domestic tourism.
