- By : Anita Bindu Link

The impressive place called Khotang which is historically religiously and colt orally rich place in which the number of Kirats and Khumbuwan are living by occupying certain area. In the border of this district in east Bhojpur is situated where as in west, north and south Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu and Udayapur is situated respectively.
Historically in the district Khotang, Khotang king had ruled the place so later on the place was re-named and called as Khotang as the place of god and goddess in which different historical temples which is situated in Khotang. The holy place is called as east Pashupatinath too. Hindu as well as Buddhists equally believe in the god "Halesi Mahadev". According to the large cave and rocks Halesidham area is very much joyful, interesting as well as unique too.
To visit the temple Halesidham by the roadways from Udayapur respectively to Katari we can finally reach Halesidham. For the trekkers to this area is vry much interesting and funny. So on, by airways to visit this place from Kathmandu or Biratnagar to Khotang and from there finally Lamidanda is this destination point for tourists. From Kathmandu valley to reach Lamidanda maximum 30 minutes time will be occupied. The visitors who visit Halesidham maximum land in Lamidanda and to through the destination by vehicles or walking.
From Lamidanda about a kilometer there comes Halesidham. There takes maximum 6 hours to reach there by foot. From Lamidanda Bhanjyang seeing the nature and its own behavior finally we can reach Bijule Bhanjyang which is a small market area for the people. From here to reach headquarter Diktel and Halesidham the place will be different and extra scenery full. By foot if the peaple are able to reach there then it will be different enjoyment. After Bijule Bhajyang another destination point Aarkhaule caves where the people must spend their whole night. Aarkhaule is also known as small market area. Here, for the visitors some hotels area also opened. This place is the destination place for the visitors to get rest.
After resting here the visitors can go forward and before reaching natural scenario here and there. After the interesting natural feel we can reach Miteri village of Halesi in Kabhre.
In the west side of Khotang district there is Halesidham Mahadev VDC word No 4. It plays it's vital role because it is historically, culturally and religiously recognized old place. It is the center point for Hindu as well as Buddhists to pray Halesi Mahadev. It is popular place like Pashupatinath and Lumbini which gives its importance for foreigners also. The interesting place of nature which is dangerous and blank cave there is Ashutosh Shree Halesi Mahadev's picture is situated too.
While entering inside there are ladders for people to go upstairs which are arranged systemically. One after another there are different temples of goldenness and Bouddha Gumba too. There is the statue of god Ganesh in the way to Halesi Mahadev, firstly the people go there to worship Halesi Mahadev. In the same balcony there lies Maratika Bauddha Gumba where Buddhist often comes there to worship.
Before going to temple of god Mahadev there is a door and wisely and simple can go there without any disturbance even in queue. This cave is maximum 300 ft. deep. In time of entering inside cave in the side of cave there is statue of goddess Pashupatinath too. Mainly visitor come in the blank area from the end point of cave where the people can see imaginary or non imaginary statue of god and goddess to worship. All the design of cave is like the handmade statues by caring in big rocks. The god Ashutosh's statue is   the original statue of the lord Halesi Mahadev. Devotees here relief after praying to lord Haleshi Mahadev.
This Haleshi Mahadev is well kbown to get rid of disease, get the dreams true, long life and peace after visiting this place.
This is place where lord Haleshi Mahadev sat for prayer. Near to this there are different other god and goddess's statue like statue of live headed lord Pashupatinath, Ganesh, Kumar, Laxmi, Saraswati, Durga Bhawani and etc. Haleshi Mahadev's statue maximum two feet high which reaches to Basaha cave and it is said that there is a pond down of Mahadev's statue. Above the Shivalinga there is the swollen breast of the cow by which the named Kamadhenu powered it's milk to worship the lord and give the bath to Shivalinga. It is the saying that at ancient there was the river where nonstop milk used to flow.
Due to the lack of daily management, the cave is dark even though there are lights hanged which creates difficulties to the visitors to see its beauty. In this pure worship area the daily pooja of evening and morning is done by the generation of Mahant Monohar Giri's boy who are unmarried. It is one of the rituals also. In ancient time land were given to the guthis  for the management of the temple but the guthi made by king Ratna Bahadur Shah  in 1843 B.S. is managing for the daily pooja of lord Haleshi Mahadev. The Kirant Rai also show their dance i.e. Balchela -Billi and sing song for devotion to the lord Haleshi Mahadev.
This Haleshi Dham is the place to get rid off sin to both religious Hindu and Buddhist. The popular personality of Buddhist religious Yaru Rimpochya Mahaguru Padma Sambhov had come to this Haleshi Mahadev and worship and devotion for his successful life. He used to do meditation here this is the reason that this stupa is known as Maratika Yamba. Always the number of Buddhists comes here to get knowledge about Buddhism so, the Buddhist worship this Haleshi Mahadev remembering the Guru Padma Sambhov i.e. Maratika. Maratika is a Tibetan word which means to take from difficulties to easy wayh, bring from wrong to right way, take truth from lies and the success upon devil by god. So, word to get peace and clean heart. this is the reason that  Yumbal Stupa of Buddhist is near to the Haleshi Mahadev's cave which is very attractive. Every Hindu and Buddhists worship pray here. From this religious brotherhood can be increased which can be historic relation.
Inside this cave there are popular five other door except the statues of different god -goddess. Those doors have their own importance. These doors are the way for the devotees to examine the sin or service. If the devotees is successful to come out from the inside easily it is known that the person has not commit any sin. This door is also known as secret door. This secret door is situated in the north-west ground, in which devotees enter from south and exit by leaning from north. I feel is imagined the lenth of this cave. From Ghopte Dwar cave in 6 feet from in east -north side Ganma Dwar is situated in which very carefully entrance is taken. This Dwar is also known as Path Dwar  which is in east -south from the Shivalinga. After the worship of Haleshi Mahadev in west-north there lise two long rocks which have 4 sides. From here devotees enters and if they succeed they think themselves as devout. Another popular Dwar of Haleshi is Swargadwar . The door is seen the above the head but no one can enter so it is known as Swargadwar (Heaven Door).
This door is in very difficult place. It is impressible to go there. It is told the devotes can  easily pass the other Dwar but the people who commit sin never can pass even by the try also.
Inside this cave there are number of bats and pigeons to. The sound of these birds excites more to those who enters to this cave dirty so the management is very essential to this cave.
In different festivals total cave will be full of sound and in the occasion like Teej, Shivaratri & Ramnawami here will be special Pooja and excitement. Except the festival devotees come here for Rudri, Lakhbatti, Vibah and other holywork to complete.
The total length the entrance to the last of Haleshi Mahadev it is 75 M 380cm. and its width is not equal so it is 5m 35cm to 12 m. 55cm.
Nature is always out of the imagination of human being. So, this cave is also the gift nature where we can find the god steps of lord Shiv. Nature has it won caring capability in which is magical and filled with excitement. Anyone who arrives here will appreciate it deeply with heart.
This cave and other side in steep jungle there is also a Bhairabsthan which is known as Bhairab Kunda. The measurement of Bhairab kunda is 18m length 10m deep is 12m around.
This Haleshi Mahadev is also known as tourist destination. So, management are trying to attract more tourist and complete to visit this place in tourism year 2011.