History of Halesi

Halesi is common pilgrimage place for the Kirats, the Buddhist and the Hindu. They have their own historical claim regarding Halesi.  

•  Kirat Mundhum, folk stories and other historical documents data back the Kirati civilization in Halesi to the pre-historic time. The ancient Mudhumi word for Halesi is 'Khuwalung'. The Kirati ancestors Toyama, Khiyama and Raichakule (Khokchilipa/Hechchhakupa) are supposed to have transformed their civilization into agricultural ara. In Tuwachung hill, people have found ancient remnants of archeological importance like pottery, igniting stone and weaver. This justifies the aforementioned claim that Kirat civilization in Halesi really ancient.

•   Naga's ancient graves with Pulik garland have recently been found in the site. It is said that a great famine drove them away from Halesi. The great Chinese traveler of seventh century Hwen Sang has mentioned about it in his travelogue. Naga Kirats might have abandoned the around the same time.

•    According to the latest history, the King Holesung was the first tribal chieftain/ruler of Halesi area. He was entrusted as a subordinated ruler by the Sen Dynasty.  Holesung  Honchha had participated on behalf of Sen Dynasty in a battle between Sen and Makwan in 1728 and 1729 AD. The remnants of his palace are still in Khimle of Durchhim VDC, Khotang. The nomenclature Halesi might have been derived from the King Holesung. King Prithivi Narayan Shaha defeated Bhwanram, the grandson of Holesung, making is a part of greater Nepal. The location of his palace is in Kotdada of Durchhim VDC, Khotang.

•  According to the Buddhist, the 8^th Monk Padmasambhava had meditated in Halesi while he was in route to Tibet during reign of Tibetan king Thrisang (742-797 AD). Mesmerized by the sublimity of the cave he exclaimed the word 'Halesu'. In Tibetan language it means something that is amazing. According to the Buddhist, this is how the name Halesi is derived.

•  Hindus coin the word Halesi with the myth of Mahadev and Bhasmasur. According to the myth Bhasmasur was blessed Mahadev with the power to kill anyone just by placing his hand over the head. This myth too is related to Halesi. They believe that Halesi comes from Hari and Iswor. Halesi is called 'Eastern Pashupati'. During the time of the King Gyanendra Shah,  Halesi Mahadev was given 'Birta' and later on Giris were appointed as a head priest in Halesi.