Bagaar Baba Religious Area

One of the the Yadus of Mathura Vrindvana lord Krishna’ son Pradhyumna and Pradhyumna’s son Anirudra married to the daughter of Vanasura, Sushma, during the Dwapara Yuga. To escape from the Asura Lord Krishna had fled from Mathura to Kathmandu along with a cowherd named Rasolhi with a flock of cattle. Rasolhi and his siter Meghavati and his nephew Parasu entered into the valley of Deukhuri and began rearing their cattle building a shed in Ahiranakhuti. The main place for the cattle grazing at that time was basically centred to Sugawa (Sunari). Later as the salt was found in Bangadbelhari, now known as Rihar, the cattle began going to Rihar almost everyday to lick the salty water. So, the maternal uncle of Parasu, Rasolhi, put up a shed in Rihar itself. They also established Bagar Baba for the protection of those cattle. The deity to protect the cattle used to be regarded as Bagarbaba.

            On the other hand the myth is related to Dangisharana, the Tharu King. At a certain time lord Krishna had come to do away with the conflict between Dangisharana and Rasolhi and Parasu five thousand three hundred and seventeen years ago. After the arrival of Lord Krishna, Menaka (the horse) flew to the heaven as she was emancipated. While departing Menaka had ordered the Tharus to worship the image of female horse on their yard, So the Tharus still worship the image of the horse.  

            At the same time a stone image of leader bull of 9 lakh cattle was established and worshipping was begun. At the mean time ‘Saurin’ married uncle Rasolhi and there was the tradition of brides staying at their parental home after the marriage. Thus, ‘Saurin’ also stayed back at her parental home. When she was old enough to go home, Rasolhi went to fetch her but on his way he met some nymphs and stayed with them.

            Later when lord Krishna came to see Rihar Saurin welcomed him with butter and yoghurt. Lord Krishna blessed her to be worshipped as ‘Balyogini’ since she was married but she had never had any sexual relationship. She is also regarded as ‘Bal Brahmacharini’.

            When Bhaine Parasu and his wife Imriti saw cows eating shit and virgins choosing their husband they realized the approach of Kali Yuga and went into permanent Samadhi. There is Parasu temple still there. The temple of Mami Saurin is still there. The people of Yadu race come here for Tikaripujan (picnic) on Jyestha Purnima (Full Moon). A fair is held organized on the first day of Magh every year.

            Since the Tharu people used to take their cattle to feed salt to ‘Bagar Baba’ the worshipping at this temple. So, the Tharu people are believed to have started the worship of this temple. There are two separate places for offering lambs and fruits. But there is a separate place for Yadus to conduct their religious activities.

            To the west of Rihar Mami ‘Saurin’ used to store ghee and the clay still has the scent in it.  Thus, Rihar has the possibility of getting established as an attractive tourist destination. Yogi Narahir Nath had conducted ‘Koti Homa’ in 2056 at this place. This shows the religious significance of the place.