Haleshi is regarded as Pashupatinath of western Nepal. It is also known as Maratikka. Haleshi a Pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist. At a remote part of Khotang lies Halesi Mahadev or Maratikka. At an elevation of 1,460 meters high is Halesi cave. The legend says as thousands year back Lord Shiva came to hide in Halesi Cave as he was chased by demon Bhasmasur. There are big number of Pilgrim who visit these holy site in Shivaratri, Ram Nawami and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Legends about Halesi Mahadev:
Lord Shiva came and hide in this cave as demon Bhasmasur was chasing him. Second Guru Padmasambhava had done meditation in this cave when he was travelling from India to Tibet. It is believed he attended hidden treasure of longevity. It was teaching from Amitabha.
In the main cave itself there are small other caves. There is another cave nearby almost attached to the main cave but we have to come out and walk down hill and it is believed Padmasambhava meditated there. If you walk 20 -30 mintues you will also see the cave of Manjushree.
How to go there?
There is flight from Kathmandu to Lamidanda but it is not regular. And the drive is about 3 hours on top.
Helicopter flight also can take you there. It will take like 2 hours. There is heli pad near by the temple.
Private 4 wheel Jeep is the best way to go there. It is like 10- 11 hours to reach to Halesi.
