Arjundhara Dham
In Nepali: अर्जुनधारा धाम
Legend says Arjun, the Pandava archer, shot an arrow into the ground here to bring forth water, and the spring (dhara) has been sacred ever since. The temple complex, set among trees, is one of the busiest pilgrimage sites of the eastern Terai.
Crowds are largest at Shivaratri, Bala Chaturdashi and during the month of Shrawan, when devotees bring water to offer to Shiva. The site is easy to combine with a visit to the tea gardens of Jhapa and Ilam.
What to see and do
Visit the main Shiva temple and the sacred spring, and explore the surrounding complex of smaller shrines, ponds and dharamshalas. During Shrawan, devotees in saffron walk here carrying water on the Bol Bam pilgrimage.
Good to know
It is busiest on Mondays in Shrawan and at Shivaratri. Birtamod has good hotels; the tea gardens and the road to Ilam are close by.
Quick answers
- Where is Arjundhara Dham?
- Arjundhara Dham is in Jhapa district, Koshi Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Arjundhara Dham?
- About 150 m (492 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Arjundhara Dham?
- For a 3-day trip from Biratnagar, about NPR 5,000 (≈ US$37) per person on a budget, or NPR 14,500 (≈ US$105) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Arjundhara Dham?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Biratnagar and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Arjundhara Dham?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Arjundhara Dham?
- October–March; Shivaratri; Shrawan (July–August)
- How do I get to Arjundhara Dham?
- About 20 minutes from Birtamod. It is about 76 km (straight line) from Biratnagar.
- What is Arjundhara Dham called in Nepali?
- अर्जुनधारा धाम
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