Journey
Mejan Pun
The Nagi Baraha shrine is located near a lake inside the Baraha Patal, which covers an area of approximately 25 hectares. Devotees shout out their wishes (var) to Nagi Baraha near the lake. Whatever object the volunteer retrieves from the lake is wrapped and taken home by the devotee. If the wish is fulfilled, devotees return with offerings, including a sacrificial goat (patha).
Within the Baraha Patal forest, it is strictly prohibited to collect grass, firewood, or leaves, to defecate or urinate, or to bring chickens or ducks. Entry is also forbidden for menstruating women, pregnant women, and families experiencing birth or death rituals.
About 200 meters east of the current lake lies another older lake. According to Thaman Tilija, who has studied Nagi village history, Sunbir Jhankri first discovered Baraha residing there. One night, he saw a mysterious light in the Baraha Patal. Though he saw nothing at first, after meditating near the lake for a week, he was granted Baraha’s vision. Baraha revealed his identity and origin. From that day, worship began on Janai Purnima by placing one stone upright and another horizontally, and the area was named Bada Patal, now known as Baraha Patal. After Sunbir Jhankri’s death, a Kori Puja is performed in his memory during Nagi Baraha worship.
Later, a person from Banskharka village, Jaljala Rural Municipality–1, Parbat, suffered from a trembling illness. Upon consulting the shamans, Nagi Baraha possessed the body and instructed that worshipping him as a guru would bring healing. The man built a small shrine near the new lake using two stones and began worship. In 2033 BS, the late Haldar Partabir Garbuja constructed a formal shrine there. Even today, worship is performed at the same stone arrangement. Due to increasing devotees, a new shrine was constructed in 2072–2073 BS for better management.
As the number of devotees grew, proper control was lacking. Over time, due to ritual impurity caused by restricted groups entering the area, it is believed that Baraha moved from the original spot to another lake.
Padam Bahadur Pun Magar (55), Chairman of the Nagi Baraha Puja Conservation Committee and current priest, says that Magars have traditionally been the priests and conduct all rituals.
Devotees shared their faith:
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Chahana Roka Magar from Pokhara visited for the second time, believing Nagi Baraha fulfills heartfelt wishes.
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Beli Shahi from Baglung Municipality–10 visited for the fifth time, returning after fulfilling a vow made during difficult times.
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Kalimaya Roka Magar (67) from Baranja, Mangala–4, Myagdi, came again to make a wish.
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Gita BK, who had earlier wished for her father’s academic success, returned to offer thanks after her wish was fulfilled.
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Tam Bahadur Chochangi Pun Magar, visiting for the first time from Darbang, came with the faith that family peace and children’s education would be achieved.
According to Khadga Bahadur Garbuja Magar, advisor to the management committee, many believe that Nagi Baraha grants wishes, especially related to childbirth. Apart from Janai Purnima, worship can be performed on other days by informing the committee.
To make or return a wish, devotees either go to the lake themselves or tell the volunteer their name and the wish they would like to make. The volunteer loudly announces the wish and dives into the lake; whatever object is retrieved becomes the symbolic blessing taken home.
On the 24th of Shrawan 2082 BS, devotees from Bhakimli, Niskot, Marang, Darbang, Bim, Beni, Baglung, and Pokhara gathered at Nagi Baraha in Annapurna Rural Municipality–8. All shared the belief that Nagi Baraha fulfills heartfelt desires.
