Ajay Kumar at 05:16, 29 August 2023

2023-08-29T05:16:05Z

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{{Short description|River in Nepal}}
{{Redirect|Bagmati|the province|Bagmati Province|other uses|Bagmati (disambiguation)}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2014}}
{{Infobox river
| name = Bagmati
| native_name = {{native name list |tag1=new|name1=बागमती खुसी |tag2=ne|name2=बागमती नदी}}
| native_name_lang =
| name_other =
| name_etymology =

| image = Pashupatinath2.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = Bagmati River at [[Pashupatinath Temple]]
| map =
| map_size =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_map_size =
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| subdivision_type1 = Country
| subdivision_name1 = [[Nepal]]
| subdivision_type2 = State
| subdivision_name2 = [[Bagmati Province|Bagmati]], [[Madhesh Province|Madhesh]]
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_type4 =
| subdivision_name4 =
| subdivision_type5 = Cities
| subdivision_name5 = [[Kathmandu]], [[Patan, Nepal|Patan]]

| length = {{convert|586.3|km|mi}}
| width_min =
| width_avg =
| width_max =
| depth_min =
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| depth_max =
| discharge1_location= Pandhera Dovan, [[Makawanpur District|Makawanpur]]
| discharge1_min =
| discharge1_avg =
| discharge1_max = {{convert|16000|m3/s|cuft/s|abbr=on}}

| source1 = Bāghdwār Falls, Bāghdwār ({{lang-ne|बाघद्वार}}, "Tiger Gate")
| source1_location = [[Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park|Shivapuri]], [[Sundarijal]], [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]]
| source1_coordinates= {{coord|27|46|16|N|85|25|38|E|display=inline}}
| source1_elevation = {{convert|2740|m|abbr=on}}
| mouth = Confluence with [[Kamala River]]
| mouth_location = Jagmohra, [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| mouth_coordinates = {{coord|25|43|56.1|N|86|21|53.0|E|display=inline,title}}
| mouth_elevation =
| progression =
| river_system =
| basin_size =
| tributaries_left = Manohara, Marin Khola, [[Lakhandei River|Lakhandei]], Adhwara, [[Kamala River|Kamala]]
| tributaries_right = Lalbakaiya, [[Bisnumati River|Bishnumati]]
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}}

The '''Bagmati River'''{{refn|group=n|Formerly also written '''Baghmati'''.{{sfnp|''EB''|1878}}}} flows through the [[Kathmandu Valley|Kathmandu valley]] of [[Nepal]], separating the cities of [[Kathmandu]] from [[Patan, Nepal|Patan]], before flowing through [[Madhesh Province|Madesh Province]] of southern Nepal and joining the [[Kamala River|Kamla River]] in the [[India]]n state of [[Bihar]]. It is considered holy by both [[Hindu]]s and [[Buddhism|Buddhists]]. A number of [[Hindu temple]]s are located on its banks.

The importance of the Bagmati River also lies in the fact that Hindus are cremated on the banks of this [[holy river]], and [[Kirati people|Kirants]] are buried in the hills by its side. According to the Nepalese Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati river before cremation, so that the reincarnation cycle may be ended. The chief mourner (usually the first son) who lights the funeral pyre must take a holy river-water bath immediately after cremation. Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take a bath in the river or sprinkle holy water on their bodies at the end of the cremation. It is believed that the Bagmati River purifies people spiritually.

==History==
The Bagmati River is considered the source of Nepalese civilization and urbanization.<ref name=Mishra>[http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/ancientnepal/pdf/ancient_nepal_159_02.pdf Article: नेपाली वास्तु र वास्तुग्रन्थको संक्षिप्त परिचय, Author: Tarananda Mishra]</ref> The river has been mentioned as ''Vaggumuda'' ({{Lang-ne|वग्गुमुदा}}) in [[Vinaya Pitaka]] and ''Nandabagga''.<ref name=Mishra/> It has also been mentioned as ''Bahumati'' ({{Lang-ne|बाहुमति}}) in ''Battha Suttanta'' of [[Majjhima Nikāya|Majjhima Nikaya]].<ref name=Mishra/> An inscription dated AD 477 describes the river as ''Bagvati parpradeshe'' ({{Lang-ne|वाग्वति पारप्रदेशे}}) and subsequently also in the [[Gopal Raj Vamshavali|Gopalraj Vanshavali]].<ref name=Mishra/>

==Geography==
[[File:Bagmati River at Sundarijal (1).JPG|thumb|right|A view of Bagmati river at Sundarijal]]
[[File:Bagmati River, 1950 - 1955.jpg|thumb|Bagmati River, {{Circa|1950s}}|right]]
[[File:Sikali and Bagmati river bend photographed from Champadevi, Kathmandu.jpg|thumb|right|Sikali and Bagmati river bend photographed from Champadevi, Kathmandu]]
[[File:Bagmati River Irrigation Diversion.jpg|thumb|Bagmati River Irrigation Diversion at [[Sarlahi District|Sarlahi]], Nepal.|right]]

The basin of the Bagmati river, including the Kathmandu valley, lies between the much larger [[Gandaki River|Gandaki basin]] to the west and the [[Kosi River|Koshi basin]] to the east. These adjacent basins extend north of the main Himalayan range and cross it in tremendous gorges, in fact, the [[Arun River (China–Nepal)|Arun tributary]] of the Koshi extends far into [[Tibet]]. The smaller Bagmati rises some distance south of the Himalayas. Without glacial sources, its flow is more dependent on rainfall, becoming very low during the hot season (April to early June), then peaking during the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-August). In these respects, the Bagmati system resembles the [[West Rapti River|(West) Rapti system]] lying between the Gandaki basin and the [[Ghaghara|Karnali basin]] in the far west of Nepal.

The Bagmati originates where three headwater streams converge at Bāghdwār Falls ({{lang-ne|बाघद्वार|lit=Tiger Gate}}), where the water flows out through a [[gargoyle]] shaped like a [[tiger]]'s mouth, situated in [[Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park|Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park]] near [[Sundarijal]] in [[Nepal]] .<ref>{{citation |last=Fisher |first=James F. |author2-last=Acharya |author2-first=Tanka Prasad |author3-last=Acharya |author3-first=Rewanta Kumari |display-authors=1 |date=1997 |title=Living Martyrs: Individuals and Revolution in Nepal |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |page=220 |isbn=0-19-564000-4 }}.</ref><ref name="Davis-227">{{harvp|Davis|1977|p=[https://www.jstor.org/pss/25039247 227]}}.</ref> This lies above the southern edge of the Shivapuri Hills, about {{convert|15|km|mi|sp=us|0}} northeast of Kathmandu. Here the Bagmati is wide and swift with a high load of [[turbidity|suspended solids]], giving it a grey appearance.<ref name="Davis-227" /> The river flows southwest about {{convert|10|km|sp=us|abbr=on|0}} through terraced rice fields in the Kathmandu Valley.<ref name="Davis-227" />

Resistant rock strata interrupt the flow in places, including at [[Pashupatinath Temple]].<ref name="Davis-227"/> Beyond the temple, the river flows south until joined by the larger west-flowing Monahara River, then turns west itself. After entering Kathmandu's urban area more tributaries enter: relatively unpolluted<ref name="Davis-227"/> Dhobī Kholā{{sfnp|Kannel & al.|2007|p=505}}<ref name="Map-Kath">[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/world_cities/kathmandu.jpg "Map of Kathmandu"] United States Department of State, 1985</ref> and sewage-laden [[Tukucha Khola]].<ref name="Davis-227"/><ref name="Kannel-509">{{harvp|Kannel & al.|2007|p=509}}.</ref>{{refn|group=n|''Kholā'' means "small river" or "creek" in Nepali.}} Then the river bends south and the Bishnumati enters from the right at Teku Dovan. The Bishnumati also rises in the Shivapuri Hills, some {{convert|6|km|mi|sp=us|0}} west of the Bagmati's source. It flows south past the Nagarjun Hill, [[Swayambhunath|Swayambhu Stupa]] and [[Kathmandu Durbar Square|Durbar Square]] in Kathmandu. As it passes the centre of Kathmandu, this tributary becomes heavily polluted and choked with trash.

Flowing generally south although with many curves, the Bagmati reaches the edge of the Kathmandu valley and enters [[Chobhar caves|Chobhar gorge]] near the [[Dakshinkali Temple|Dakshinkali temple complex]]. The Chobhar gorge cuts through the [[Lower Himalayan Range|Mahabharat range]], also called the Lesser Himalaya. This {{convert|2000|to|3000|m|ft|sp=us|adj=on}} range is the southern limit of the "middle hills" across Nepal, an important cultural boundary between distinctive Nepali and more Indian cultures and languages, as well as a major geological feature. The Bagmati also crosses the lower [[Sivalik Hills]] before reaching the [[Terai]], then crosses into India at [[Bairgania]]. It flows across the districts [[Darbhanga district|Darbhanga]], [[Sitamarhi district|Sitamarhi]], [[Sheohar district|Sheohar]], [[Muzaffarpur district|Muzaffarpur]] and [[Khagaria district|Khagaria]] in Bihar. It meets [[Kamala River|River Kamala]] at Jagmohra Village of [[Samastipur district|Samastipur]]. However, in past the river had a different course and used to drain directly into the Ganges. In ''Swasthani Bratakatha'' of the [[Skanda Purana]], Bagmati's present northern tributary was regarded as main channel called Sāli river which was a tributary of Gandaki and it is obvious since Manohara river, the present day Sali river, is larger than Bagmati at their confluence.

[[File:Domestic buffaloes grazing along the bank of Bagmati River, Khokana.jpg|thumb|500px|centre|Domestic buffaloes grazing along the bank of Bagmati River, Khokana]]

==Pollution==
[[File:Verschmutztes_Kathmandu.jpg|thumb|Pollution in Bagmati river in Kathmandu valley]]
The Bagmati River contains large amounts of untreated sewage, and large levels of pollution of the river exist due primarily to the region's large population. Many residents in Kathmandu empty their personal garbage and waste into the river.<ref name="Davis-229">{{harvp|Davis|1977|p=[https://www.jstor.org/pss/25039247 229]}}.</ref> In particular the Hanumante Khola, Dhobī Kholā, Tukucha Khola and Bishnumati are the most polluted.<ref name="Kannel-509"/> Attempts are being made to monitor the Bagmati river system and restore its cleanliness. These include "pollution loads modification, flow augmentation and placement of weirs at critical locations".{{sfnp|Kannel & al.|2007|p=513}}

On 18 May 2013, under the initiative of then chief secretary [[Leela Mani Paudyal|Leela Mani Poudyal]], the Bagmati Mega Clean-Up Campaign was started. Every Saturday, personnels of the [[Nepali Army|Nepal Army]] and [[Nepal Police]], along with the general public, gather to clean the waste and sewage from the river. The ''Friends of the Bagmati'' is an organisation set up in November 2000. According to its website, its aim is "to reverse the degradation of the Bagmati river." In 2014, the Bagmati river was claimed to be "almost pure" after a long effort of 14 years.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

==Flood==
There is no effect of flood in most of the areas that it touches, but it has caused widespread sufferings to the people in Terai and northern districts of Bihar. The worst destruction by the river were seen in 1993. Poor water management, lack of proper weather forecasting and awareness were the main cause of mass destruction.<ref>Bhusal, Jagat K. (May 2002) [http://www.riob.org/ag2002/FloodNepal.htm "Lessons from the Extreme Floods in South Central Nepal in 1993"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503234458/http://riob.org/ag2002/FloodNepal.htm |date=2008-05-03 }} International Network of Basin Organizations</ref>

==Shrines==
[[File:Baagdwar (2).jpg|right|thumb|Bāghdwār]]
*'''[[Gokarna Mahadev|Gokarneshwor]]''' – Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple stands the banks of the Bagmati, built in 1582. In late August or early September, people go to this temple to bathe and make offerings in honor of their fathers, living or dead, on a day called [[Gokarna Aunsi]] also known as "Kuse Aunsi" (worshipping for the eternal peace of Father).
*'''[[Guhyeshwari Temple]]''' – Guhyeshwari Temple, the temple of Guhyeshwari Devi, lies about 1 km east of Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati. The temple's name originates from the Sanskrit words ''Guhya'' (secret) and ''Ishwari'' (goddess). In ''Lalitha Sahasranama'', the 707th name of Goddess is mentioned as Guhyarupini (the form of goddess is beyond human perception and is secret. Another argument is that it is the secret 16th syllable of the Shodashi Mantra) (LS 137th verse: ''Sarasvati shastramayi| Guhaamba guhyaruupini||''). It is believed that parts of [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati Devi]]'s corpse fell in different region when Shiva took it and roamed around the world in sorrow.
*'''[[Pashupatinath Temple]]''' – The Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to [[Shiva]], stands on an outcrop above the river north of Kathmandu.<ref name="Davis-227"/> It is considered to be one of the holy places of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="Davis-227"/>
*'''[[Koteshwor Mahadevsthan|Koteshwor Mahadev]]''' – Koteshwor Mahadev temple at [[Koteshwor]] is also a major holy place located in bank of Bagmati. According to a popular legend, the [[Lingam|Shiva Lingam]] here is believed to be one of the 64 sacred Shiva Lingams.
*'''Shankhamul''' – Near the Koteshwor Mahadev temple is a place known as Shankhamul. Shankhamul is one of the twelve “most-sacred” confluences in the [[Kathmandu valley]] as defined in the numerous chronicles that document the history and legends about the Kathmandu valley. At Shankhamul, the Bagmati river that flows south from the Pashupati temple complex, and all the rivers that flow from the eastern part of the valley including the Manohara river merge.
*'''Kalmochan Temple''' – Kalmochan temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Vishnu the preserver, was a part of the [[Thapathali Durbar|Thapathali Durbar complex]] in bank of Bagmati river. It was built in the early 18th century. The temple was built by [[Jung Bahadur Rana]] in Moghul Kathmandu-Gothic architecture style and has [[Mughal art]] and Nepali art. Also known as ''Janga Hiranya Hemnarayan Mandir'', it is located at Kalmochan Ghāt in Thapathali.
*'''Tripureshwor Temple''' – The temple of Tripureshwor Mahadev near Kalmochan Ghāt, is the largest temple in Kathmandu valley, built by [[Queen Tripurasundari of Nepal|Lalit Tripura Sundari Devi]] in the nineteenth century (around 1875 B.S). It has three roofs—the upper two crafted of metal, while the bottom one is of baked terracota—and sits on a raised platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://naya.com.np/collection/c1492765568587qjtin|title=Tripureshwor Mahadev Temple}}</ref> The temple was made in the memory of her husband, [[Rana Bahadur Shah|King Rana Bahadur Shah]] for his eternal bliss and for the goodwill of her nation. It was probably the last major temple in the tiered style.<ref>{{cite web|title=TRIPURESHWOR MAHADEV त्रिपुरेश्वर महादेव|url=http://www.rajunepal.com/photography/shiva_temples_of_nepal/album/tripureshwor_mahadev#sthash.RFd1MBeD.dpbs|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129030017/http://www.rajunepal.com/photography/shiva_temples_of_nepal/album/tripureshwor_mahadev |archive-date=2016-11-29 }}</ref>
*'''Pachali Bhairav''' – Established by [[Licchavi (kingdom)|Lichhavi]] king [[Gunakamadeva|Gunakamadev]] (AD 924-1008), the god is very much associated with the founding of [[Kathmandu]], because it was King Gunakamadev who is traditionally believed to have founded both the city and the festival of Bhairav which is located in the bank of Bagmati river.
*'''Teku Dovan''' – One of the 12 sacred ''Tirthas'' in the Kathmandu valley, the ghāts along ''Gyan Tirtha'', at the confluence of Bagmati and Bishnumati, are places for ritual bathing and cremation at or near rivers.
*'''[[Jal Binayak Temple]]''' – Jal Binayak Temple is a temple of [[Ganesha|Ganesh]], located in the [[Chobhar]]. The Jal Binayak Temple is the one of the most important Ganesh shrine in Kathmandu region, and is one of the four ''Binayak'' temples of the Kathmandu valley.

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed-hover" widths="150px" heights="150px">
File:Black kite flying over Bagmati River, Jal Binayak, Kathmandu.jpg|Black kite flying over Bagmati River, Jal Binayak, Kathmandu
</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=n}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==

* {{citation |contribution=[[s:Encyclopædia Britannica, Ninth Edition/Baghmati|Baghmati]] |title=''''Encyclopædia Britannica'', 9th ed., Vol. III'' |editor-last=Baynes |editor-first=Thomas Spencer |display-editors=0 |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |location=New York |date=1878 |ref={{harvid|''EB''|1878}} |page=235 }}.

* {{citation |last=Davis |first=John A. |date=1977 |contribution=Water Quality Standards for the Bagmati River |title=Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation |volume=49|issue=2 |pages=227–234 }}.
* {{citation |last=Kannel |first=Prakash Raj |author2-last=Lee |author2-first=S. |author3-last=Lee |author3-first=Y.-S. |author4-last=Kanel |author4-first=S.R. |author5-last=Pelletier |author5-first=G.J. |display-authors=1 |ref={{harvid|Kannel & al.|2007}} |date=10 April 2007 |contribution=Application of automated QUAL2Kw for water quality modeling and management in the Bagmati River, Nepal |title=Ecological Modelling |volume=202 |issue=3–4 |pages=503–517 |doi=10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2006.12.033 }}.

==External links==

* [http://www.friendsofthebagmati.org.np/ Friends of the Bagmati]
* [http://sangesh.com.np/blog/?p=453 Illegal Capture of Bagmati River Banks]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20151223233340/http://nepalrudraksha.com/pashupatinath-temple/ Religious story of Bagmati River]

{{Hydrography of Nepal}}
{{Rivers in Bihar}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Rivers of Bagmati Province]]
[[Category:Newar]]
[[Category:Rivers of Bihar]]
[[Category:International rivers of Asia]]
[[Category:Rivers of Madhesh Province]]

Bagmati River - Revision history

Ajay Kumar at 05:16, 29 August 2023