The oval-shaped Rauta Pokhari (रौता पोखरी) is located in Rautamai Rural Municipality, Udayapur. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the Udayapur district which has religious and historical significance. The lake is located at an altitude of about 1770 m. Rauta Danda is visible from Gaighat. It occupies an area of one bigha land and is surrounded by forest. It is an important religious site and tourist place.
From the Rauta pond, one can observe the beautiful views of mountains, hills and terai. Most of the mountain ranges of eastern Nepal, including the world’s highest peak Everest, can be seen closely from the Rauta Pokhari area. The landscape of neighboring country India can be seen from here such as Darjeeling, Kharsang and Siliguri.
Baraha Pond in Khotang district, Kshita Pond in Khotang district and this pond is considered as “Three Sisters”. Frogs are not found in Baraha pond and fish are not found in Rauta pond. Locals say, the water level of this pond never decreases but when something bad is to happen in the country, the ponds dry up and look like red blood.
There are seven dhara (water exits) of this pond and the Triyuga river originates here. It is called Triyuga because it is a river formed by three of the seven dhara. The other two streams become the river Rankuli and Andheri. These two rivers merge into the Saptakoshi river. Baruwa, the sixth stream flows down the west of Gaighat and joins Triyuga. The seventh stream, Hemganga flows north to Hulma. From a religious point of view, the Hemganga river is considered to be the most sacred pilgrimage Ganga.
There is a Goddess Rautamai Bhagwati Temple near this pond. Marriage rituals are performed in temple premises. The practice of sacrificing to the goddess is done here but the sacrifice of chicken, buffalo and goat is prohibited. It takes about 10 minutes to walk around the pond.
A big fair is held every year in the 1st Baishak and devotees visit Rautamai Temple. It is believed that by taking a bath in the Rauta pond one’s wishes will be fulfilled. Bathing in the pond is not allowed, pilgrims take a bath in the tap outside. You can take the water from the pond in a gallon and take a bath in the nearby ground. There is a dharamshala for the convenience of the devotees.
From Falgun to Baishak, there is a flow of tourists. There is no puja in the temple on every Aunsi, Ekadashi, Sunday and in the month of Shrawan.
How to reach Rauta pokhari?
Rauta pokhari is about 46 km far from Gaighat and is about 2 hours of drive from Gaighat, the headquarters of Udayapur district.
Facilities:
Parking – Yes
Water – Yes
Hotels – yes
Photo source: Rautamai gaupalika