१. Introduction

The Brihattar Barahakshetra Development Committee is a dedicated government body formed for the integrated and planned development of the sacred pilgrimage site of Barahakshetra — a place of great historical, religious, and cultural significance — and its surrounding areas. Established in BS 2066 (2010 AD) under the federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the committee now operates under the Ministry of Social Development, Government of Koshi Province.

Barahakshetra Dham, located in Barahakshetra Municipality of Sunsari district, is one of Nepal's ancient and celebrated pilgrimage sites. The dham is associated with Lord Vishnu's Varaha (boar) incarnation. According to religious belief, this is the place where Lord Vishnu, taking the form of Varaha, protected the earth — and it is revered accordingly. The site lies near the confluence of the Koka and Saptakoshi rivers.

Barahakshetra is regarded as one of Nepal's four great pilgrimage dhams. Lord Varaha is the principal deity worshipped here, and the area is also home to temples of Laxmi, Panchayan, Guruvaraha, Suryavaraha, Kokavaraha, and Nageshwar, among others. The site holds immense religious, historical, and cultural importance.

Devotees visit throughout the year, with especially large gatherings during Makar Sankranti, Kartik Purnima, Rishi Panchami, Vyas Panchami, and Ekadashi. Known for sacred bathing, worship, darshan, and ancestral rites, Barahakshetra Dham stands as one of eastern Nepal's most important pilgrimage destinations.