Pokhara, 6 June — The ongoing Shri Gandaki Shatakundiya Gayatri Kotihom Virat Gyan Mahayagya in Pokhara continues to attract thousands of devotees and dignitaries from across Nepal and beyond. Today, the sacred Kotihom site is set to witness the arrival of saints, mahants, public representatives, and civil servants, according to the event’s publicity coordinator, Lekhraj Dhakal.
A wide range of spiritual leaders and speakers are expected to grace the occasion. Among them are renowned motivational speaker Jagdish Sharma, celebrated spiritual leader Sarita Pun Magar (Saru Mata), and a revered group led by Indian saint Alok Ji Maharaj. Also attending are the youngest Bhagwat reciter of Nepal, Anuradha Pandey, U.S.-based spiritual guru Satya Dev Maharaj, and Achham-based Vaidyanath Dham Gurukul principal, Devraj Upadhyay Gurudev.
Further participation includes Vice President of Katha Vyas Samaj Nepal, Balakrishna Aryal, famed pundit Bhuvan Ghimire, and popular Bhagwat reciter Sudha Achyut Priya. Key personalities from national religious organizations, such as Ganesh Baraili of the Vishwakarma Museum and senior advocate and religious activist Swagat Nepal, are also slated to visit the Kotihom.
A full delegation from Dhurkot Rural Municipality, including Chair Bhupal Pokharel and other senior officials, will arrive today alongside media figure Sagar Neupane, headmaster Jograj Kunwar, and popular singers Kamal Khatri and Melina Mainali. Philanthropist Sher Jung Adhikari from Syangja is also expected to donate land to the Ashram, joining others who have pledged similar offerings, including a previous 15-ropani land grant from Annapurna Rural Municipality.
With a surge in attendance, the Mahayagya will now continue until Jestha 31, as announced by Balayogeshwar Shri Vijay Krishnamurtiji Maharaj. Originally scheduled to end earlier, spiritual storyteller Radhika Dasi will continue her Bhagwat Manjari recitation through the extended dates.
A major highlight is scheduled for tomorrow, Jestha 24, with a grand lighting of 21 crore diyas. All devotees are encouraged to bring light from their homes and participate in the evening ceremony. According to Bishnu Thapa, manager of Manav Sewa Foundation, the diya soaking ritual will begin at 10 AM, followed by the lighting at 6 PM. Devotees interested in taking bricks used in the 100-kund havan may contact organizers.
Ongoing spiritual services include Tuladaan, Chaurasi Puja, Graha Shanti, and rituals like marriage, Bratabandha, Pitri Puran (Harivansh Puran), and Kal Sarp Yog Puja. A series of recitations, including 108 Hanuman Chalisa, Satkarmas for health, peace, and prosperity, and several forms of daan (offerings), are also being conducted.
The Kotihom is being hosted on land belonging to the Sadashivji Siddeshwar Harihar Temple and adjoining private property in Pokhara-17, and will run until Jestha 31, drawing devotees from all walks of life for spiritual solace and communal harmony.
