Jaljala, Hill Rolpa

Welcome to the mystical realm of Jaljala^[1], located at an altitude of from 3000 meters to 3600 meters above sea level. Jaljala is one of the places included in the list of 100 destinations by the Nepal government for Visit Nepal Year 2020. The Jaljala area located in Sunchhahari Rural Municipality and Thabang Rural Municipality, Rolpa District, Lumbini Province. Its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and profound religious significance, Jaljala beckons adventure enthusiasts and seekers of authentic experiences. Let us embark on an immersive journey to Jaljala, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and cherished.^[2]

Jaljala is located in the northeast of Rolpa district that belongs to Thabang Rural Municipality & Sunchhahari Rural Municipality. To reach there, one can choose their favorite route from Thawang, Jelbang or Uwa. Jaljala, located at an altitude of 3000 to 3600 meters above the sea level, is a unique but exciting place from the geographical point of view. There are large grasslands, marshlands and hillocks in some places and plains in other places. Sometimes the ground quakes when one steps on a grassy field. Such a rare nature of land surprises everyone visiting there. One feels a strange sensation as if there is a spring under the ground. From the Magar Kham language, Jaljala is called Gong. From Jaljala, Sisne Himal, Putha Himal, Dhaulagiri Himal, Annapurna Mountain ranges can also be seen. Many of the rural tourists go for sightseeing and recreation. Jajljala is the head or pinnacle of Rolpa; it is the pride saga of this region. From the point of view of geography, nature and religious beliefs, Jaljala is the pride of not only Rolpa district but also of the entire region.[1] The climate of Jaljala is also unique and strange. Mainly, three main types of climates can be found there through out a year. During the winter, the ground of Jaljala is covered with snow. The sight of the large grasslands (pastures) covered with silvery snow is thrilling. At that time, those who visit there to enjoy the snow feel like they are on a cloud. After the end of winter season and the beginning of spring season, the forests become red with the blooms of red rhododendron. During this season, the forest covered with colorful rhododendron looks beautiful. Immediately after this, when the rainy season starts, colorful flowers of different types start to bloom along with the thick grass in the meadows covered with snow throughout the winter. Because of the thick grass, walking on the fields feels like walking on cotton or fur. During the rainy season, not only colorful flowers bloom but rare herbs are also found tree. During this season, herdsmen come here with their herds of cows and horses and flocks of sheep to graze. In the clear, clean, well-kept green grasslands, the flocks of sheep grazing and herdsmen singing folk songs along with cracking jokes sound fantastic. With the onset of October, when the grass starts to dry, the herdsmen also gradually return their villages downwards and the empire of snow once again rules there.^[3]

Important attraction of Jaljala is its religious aspect. It is believed that 12 brothers of Varaha and 17 sisters of Vaju used to live in Bhama Gufa (cave) there in ancient times. Some of those Varahas and Vajus stayed there and some went to other places. Among the Varahas, five Varahas including Kailu, Satadev, Majju, Ranivaju and Dharmawada are worshiped at five different places. On the hand, Varaha is called the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu (boar incarnation) whereas Varaha is worshiped as the Varaha Deity at other places on the other. During Varaha worship, a ram is scarified formidable, and it is believed in Rolpa district and neighboring areas that one's boon is gratified, nomatter what it is, For the same, sacrifice of a ram is vowed to Varaha Deity and the sacrifice is offered during Purnimas (full moon).^[4] During Varaha worship, the fields at Jaljala area covered with crowds of human and flocks of rams. A grand fair is also held there along with worship and sacrifices. Eating, drinking, Dancing and Business also take place at the fair. For all these reasons, Jaljala has been recognized as one of the hundreds touristic destinations of Nepal that has increased the popularity and importance of the area.^[5]

Among many distinct charactertics of Jaljala region of Rolpa district, Bhama Cave is one of them. It is located at an altitude of 3,170 meter in Jaljala area. It is situated close to one of four trails from different places (Jelbang and Thabang) that leads from Jelbang to Jaljala at the top of the hill.^[6] Bhama cave is a very large natural cave. There are many natural caves but such a big cave is rarely found. If one reaches there alone, it is too scary, Bhama cave is considered the dwelling place of twelve Varahas and seventeen Vajus. There are many temples of Varahas and Vajus built in Jaljala area. Therefore, Bhama cave bears high religious significance. Tourists, who come Varaha and Vaju deities roam around but they are believed to gather at Jaljala area on the day Rishi Tarpani (full moon day of Saun month of lunar calendar).^[7] Earlier, Bhama cave used to be the place to stay at night for the tourists visting there for religious or other purpose. Recently, there are pilgrim's inns, that were at first built of wooden but later of cement and corrugated zinc sheets. However, people visiting Jaljala area during festivals and religious occasions have to stay in the cave as well. Bhama cave has become a place of attraction for the tourists visiting Jaljala area.^[8]