Addressing stress has become a global imperative, extending beyond mere coping mechanisms to achieving enduring freedom from its grasp. While diverse approaches have been adopted worldwide, the discourse often centers on coping strategies rather than attaining genuine liberation.
In Nepal, stress levels have surged in recent times due to various factors, including the economic repercussions of COVID-19. Inadequate stress management has resulted in tragic outcomes such as suicides, with social media overuse exacerbating stress, especially among adolescents.
Stress permeates through families, communities, political factions, and nations, necessitating proactive intervention to avert future crises.
Recognizing the urgency of freeing individuals from stress, in the Siddhashakti Yoga Dham locted in municipality of Sruyodaya-2, Ilam, where the sunrise symbolizes hope for liberation from stress. This initiative focuses on using yoga as a tool to alleviate stress, with a special emphasis on reaching rural areas.
Under the leadership of Renu Sharma Upreti, whose dedication spans over 33 years in domains such as women and child welfare, human rights, rehabilitation, and altruistic service, this campaign has been launched.
Sharma and their team acquired 63 ropanis (approximately 8 acres) of land in Ward No. 2 of Suryodaya Municipality to establish the Siddhashakti Yoga Dham. This sanctuary, built using locally sourced materials and land purchased from community members, aims not only to boost yoga tourism but also to emerge as a premier yoga destination in Nepal.
Officially inaugurated on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami on the 5th of Baisakh, the Dham was unveiled during a ceremony overseen by Mayor Ran Bahadur Rai of Suryodaya Municipality.
Situated amidst serene surroundings, this picturesque venue, constructed at a cost exceeding NPR 3.85 crore, has the capacity to accommodate over 100 individuals simultaneously for yoga and meditation sessions. Renu Sharma Upreti, chairperson of the Siddhashakti Yoga Dham Operation Committee, provided insights into the facility, highlighting its tranquil ambiance ideal for yoga and meditation practices.
Sharma explained that anyone experiencing stress can come here and engage in yoga practice. Recognizing that mere stress management may not always lead to liberation, the Dham has gained renown for offering yoga sessions conducted by acclaimed yoga gurus, essential for attaining true freedom from stress. Additionally, the Dham provides organized accommodation for visitors.
According to Sharma, the Dham offers Ashtanga yoga sessions to its visitors. Alongside the inauguration, a seven-day Ashtanga yoga workshop is currently underway. Sharma mentioned that participants from various parts of Nepal, as well as from Canada, are actively taking part in the workshop. Now, the Dham regularly conducts Ashtanga yoga sessions for tourists who visit during the day, ensuring a systematic approach to yoga practice.
As per the chairperson of the Dham Management Committee, Ratnakala Parajuli, 11 secluded spots (Ekanti) have been constructed within the 63 ropanis area enclosed by 36 different species of plants. These spots offer a serene environment conducive to meditation, amidst organic food gardens and opportunities for interacting with various plant species. Parajuli further explained that the Dham’s proximity to constantly flowing small streams and the sounds of chirping birds create a distinct ambiance, providing a unique experience to visitors.
Parajuli also mentioned plans for further expansion and organization of the Dham, aiming to bring Ashtanga yoga to every corner of the country gradually. In the initial phase, renowned yoga gurus will train selected individuals, who will then be sent nationwide to propagate yoga practice. Trained individuals will also be tasked with educating teachers in schools across the country about yoga, to facilitate regular yoga sessions in educational institutions. This initiative aims to cultivate healthy, capable, and culturally enriched individuals, as per Sharma’s vision.
Anita Pariyar, a member of the Constitutional Assembly, highlighted that amidst individual struggles and economic crises, people are feeling disillusioned. She emphasized that the establishment and operation of the Siddhashakti Yoga Dham undertake a distinctive task, which the present human community desires and needs. She elaborated that this initiative is crucial to address nationwide and stressed the significance of integrating yoga into the excellent method of human welfare.
Mayor Ran Bahadur Rai of Suryodaya Municipality expressed his joy at the establishment of the Siddhashakti Yoga Dham within the municipality, stating that the residents were pleased. He assured full cooperation from the municipality in all activities related to the Dham and emphasized its potential to become a premier destination for yoga tourism. He also mentioned plans to introduce Ashtanga yoga training, including its cultural aspects, in schools through the municipality’s social department. He encouraged other municipalities nationwide to collaborate with the Dham.
Tolnath Kafle, after exploring the natural beauty of the Dham area, expressed satisfaction with the natural setting conducive to yoga practice that the Dham has created.
Apart from the Siddhashakti Yoga Dham, there are other destinations that can be visited:
Ilam District, within Koshi Province, is also significant from a tourism perspective, being a district that has witnessed significant development. Additionally, Suryodaya Municipality, with the establishment of Siddhashakti Yoga Dham, has emerged as a prominent tourist city within Koshi Province. Familiar places like Shree Antu, Kanyam, Fikkal, and Pashupati Nagar lie within this municipality. Alongside these, the route from Ilam to Sandakpur, extending up to the temple of Goddess Maithali, passes through this very municipality. After engaging in yoga practice at the Dham for a few days, tourists can plan to explore tourist areas like Taplejung. The chairman also mentioned plans to advance by creating necessary “tour packages” to promote tourism in these areas.
Getting to Siddhashakti Yoga Dham:
Travelers coming from Kathmandu can easily obtain tickets to Bhadrapur Airport, and from there, they need to head towards Birtamod and Charali on Budhbare. After enjoying the scenic tea gardens of Budhabare in Buddha Shanti Rural Municipality, as they ascend from Jhor, Jorkalash, and eventually reach the temple of Pathibhara in Rong Rural Municipality, they continue their journey towards Kanyam. From the tea gardens of Kanyam, they proceed towards Fikkal. From Fikkal, they travel towards Pashupatinagar, and then head towards Hile Dhap from Boudhha Dham Gate. After that, they can reach Siddhashakti Yoga Dham in Ward No. 2 of Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam.
For travelers coming from Kathmandu via Biratnagar Airport, they can also reach the Dham by heading towards Birtamod and Charali from Itahari. Public buses operate from Kathmandu to Pashupatinagar, including night buses up to Pashupatinagar. Therefore, reaching the Dham via public bus is also convenient. There are also many buses running to Ilam and Fikkal. Additionally, there are microbuses and hiace vans operating during the day. The route includes Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Kavre, Banepa, and Sindhuli Khurkot.
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