Dungeshwor Temple Dailekh

Dungeshwor is one of the religious temples located in lower Dungeshwor (highest place in Dailekh district) in the confluence of Loohre and Karnali River in Dailekh district of western Nepal. The temple is situated at an altitude of 544 meters from sea level. There are especially two temples by Sidheshwor Mahadev and Dungal temple in this area. This area is also considered to be a place in the center of five famous Panchkoshi according to flame myth and Vaishwankar myth of Dailekh district. According to myth, Jyotikha Upadhya (a Brahmin) used to be involved in Lord Shiva’s worship but was suffered from disability and weakness. One day he met a saint named as Sagar Giri on the banks of Karnali River and requested him to continue that worship. Sagar Giri accepts the request of Brahmin and brought the Shiva lingam and established the temple becoming the new lord of divine power. Then after, devotees and Kings together made Damaha, Slogan, and Idol for worshipping in the temple.

In Dungeshwor temple, there is a belief that the natural flame of the temple is connected to the vessel of the navel and needs to fire any other holy lights. If failed to do this, then this could be a reason to suffer from dishonor, famine, drought, and hunger. Sidheshwar temple only opens on the day of Vijaya Dashami. There is a Shiva lingam in the temple and Trishula, Axe and sword, which are worshiped as a symbol of Goddess Bhagwati. The hope template inside the temple is written as “श्री ५ पृथ्वीवीरविक्रम शाहदेव विक्रम संवत १९६०” with 1981 B.S. and 1989 B.S, in the two consecutive bells of the temple.

However, after 2036 BS, the offspring (children) of Jyotikhar Upadhaya and Bishnu Prasad Upadhya has been operating the worship of the temple till now. In addition, Khadga Giri has been undertaking the charge of Mahant.