Ilam, one of the four hilly districts of the Mechi zone of the Eastern Development Region, Nepal. Currently, No. 1 district of Nepal. The old name of Ilam is mentioned in some ancient inscriptions as Khalanga. The naming of Ilam has yet to be studied from a historical, geographical, natural anthropological point of view. However, the following assumptions are made regarding its naming.
1300 years ago, the Ilam dynasty of Persia (present-day Iran) defeated the Kashi dynasty kings of southwestern Persia and expelled them forever, and they moved east. The same people came and settled here and named this place Ilam in honor of their homeland. Ilam means honey of the putka (a type of bee) in the Lepcha language, and a detour in the Limbu language.
According to the ancient scriptures, King Sariyati performed the Putreshthi Yajna in the present Maipokhari to have a son. His wife wanted a daughter instead of a son and asked the sacrificial Brahmin to sacrifice the birth of a quiet daughter. The Brahmins also sacrificed to give birth to a daughter at the request of the queen and to give birth to a daughter (Ila). Seeing the birth of a daughter, King Sariyati began to say Ilama (Ila-daughter and I do not need) Ilama. It is also said that Ilam later became Ilam.
Before the unification of Nepal, a part of Limbuwan was under autonomous administration. The district headquarters was at Nagarigadhi. After settling in Karfok (a place where pigeons live in Lapcha language) for two years after the Treaty of Sugauli, Bikram moved to Ilamdanda in 1875 BS. Therefore, it is also the district where the old headquarters has been maintained since the time of unification. Jayant Khatri, the first subba (administrative head) of Nagarigadhi, had shifted the district headquarters to Ilam Danda.
Located in the southeastern foothills of the Mahabharata and Shivalik mountain ranges, Ilam, a hilly district in the far east of Nepal, is truly scenic. Chiabari, greenery, small rivers, ponds, temples, mountain peaks (Shree Antu, Sandakpur, Siddhithumka, etc.) and other natural beauty are attracting tourists. Due to the fertile land as a gift of nature and the tireless efforts of the ancestral farmers, this district is considered to be a pioneer in agricultural production. Rich in cultural and natural aspects, the district is known by the nickname “Queen of the Eastern Hills”, a cash mine.
Ilam district is known as various ‘A’ (currently eight) ‘A’ districts. The meaning of ‘A’ is defined by Cardamom, Ginger, Orthodox Tea, Akbari Khursani, Olan, Amriso, Potato and Hospitality. Currently, the production of kiwi fruit is also increasing.
After crossing a distance of 78 kilometers on the Mechi Highway from Charali in Jhapa under the East-West Highway, one reaches the Ilam headquarters. Ilam, which borders Darjeeling in India, attracts tourists with its steep hills, lush greenery, and fresh air. The main attraction here is the captivating natural beauty. There are beautiful hills like Sandakpur, Chhintapu, Sri Antu, Siddhithumka in this district. Where hundreds of species of birds and the world’s rare red panda, dumsi, carp and other animals are found. The cultural attractions and identity of Ilam are the historical Buddhist monasteries, temples and the culture of the endangered Lapcha caste as well as other castes including Rai and Limbu. Ilam, home to various castes, is also culturally known as a place of unity in diversity. Lapcha, Limbu, Rai, Tamang, Gurung, Sherpa, Kshetri, Brahmin, People of Newar and other communities live in this district. Dhan Nach, Chabrung, Chandi Nach, Maruni Nach, Balan, Saginni, Dumfu Nach etc. are the ethnic and cultural traditions of the place.
Business And Occupation In Ilam
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Ilam livelihood even if the trade has taken an important position. Ilam Bazaar, Bibliante, Fikal, Pashupatinagar, Nayabazar, Mangalbare, Deurali, Shukrabare and Tinghare are the main business centers here. Ilam Bazaar is the district headquarters, located about 850 kilometers from the capital. Tea, cardamom, ginger, potato, amriso, akbare chilli, squash, milk kiwi etc. are the main agricultural products here. There are currently more than a dozen large tea processing factories in Ilam. In addition, animal husbandry, especially cattle breeding, is a flourishing profession in Ilam.
Ilam is famous for many places but these are the main Religious and tourist sites of Ilam:
Places to Visit in Ilam:
Shree Antu Dada (Sunrise and Sunset)
In Lapcha language, Antu means high hill. Antudanda is a tourist destination in Ilam. Although it is known as Shree Antu, in the past it was located between Samalbung and Shree Antu VDC and now it belongs to Suryoday Municipality. It is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. Antu is famous for its sunrise views. 17 km from Fikal on Mechi Highway. And this hill is at a distance of 22 km from Pashupatinagar, an eastern border point of Nepal. Although it was renamed as Dipendra Shikhar in 043 BS, it is famous from Sri Antu or Antudanda.
Maibeni Temple Ilam
The confluence of Mai khola and Jogmai khola is known as Maibeni. Formerly the border of Namsaling VDC and Ilam Municipality, this place now belongs to Ilam Municipality. Fairs are held there on January 1, 2 and 3 every year. It is an important pilgrimage site in the region. Maibeni is about three kilometers east of Ilam Bazaar. There is also a Shiva temple built by the great governors Indu Shamsher, Raghuvir Budhathoki and Tanknath Banstola.
Maipokhari Ilam
Maipokhari is an important religious tourist destination of Ilam, which is on the border of Maipokhari and Sulubung VDC in the past and now in Sandakpur village municipality. Maipokhari is 15 km from Ilam headquarters. Is a mountain wetland at a distance of. It extends from 270000 ’04 “north latitude and 270000′ 43” to 87056 ’14 “east longitude. The pool with nine corners is very attractive. It is star-shaped. It has an area of 1.88 square kilometers and a radius of 750 meters. This area is equally important in terms of biodiversity. This area is Hindu, It is also a cultural hub for Buddhists and Kirats. The 90-hectare area of the Maipokhari area, which is essential for the sustainable conservation of the world’s most important Kanchenjunga perimeter area and is home to endangered and rare species of various species, was listed as a World Ramsar Site on October 28, 2008.
This Ramsar area is located at an altitude of 2080 meters to 2164 meters. The temperature here is between a maximum of 180 degrees Celsius in summer and a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius in winter. The average annual rainfall is more than 3000 mm. Maipokhari, the confluence of subtropical and subtropical air and water, is located in the central part of the Kanchenjunga Landscape Complex. Surrounded by a picturesque forest, this place also has a Shiva temple built by Swami Someshwarananda in 1954 BS. The height of Chhintapu peak connected to Maipokhari is 3,200 meters. Which separates the Mahabharata mountain range and the Shivalik mountain range. The area is home to a wide variety of red gourds and butterflies. Similarly, the world’s rarest creatures (panigohoro) and pond carpet moss can also be seen here. The occasional wave in Maipokhari is considered by the locals as a sign of bad luck.
Chhintapu Ilam
It is connected to Mai Pokhari in Sandakpur village municipality and its height is 3200 meters. It separates the Mahabharata mountain range and the Shivalik mountain range.
Sandakpur Ilam
Ilam is the highest peak in the northern part of the district. Its height is 3636 meters above sea level. From here, one can see the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, Kanchanjunga and the mountain ranges up to Bhutan. A spectacular view of sunrise, sunset and Kanchenjunga can be seen from here. Sandakpur is adorned with a variety of colorful red flowers as well as a variety of local wild flowers. It is close to the border of Nepal and India. Tourists from third countries including Nepal and India come to visit Sandakpur. Sandakpur is reached after crossing about 30 kilometers of road from Ilam headquarters through Maipokhari and Maimzhuwa. Similarly, Sandakpur can be reached at a distance of 45 km from Fikal Bazaar via Nayabazar. Sandakpur is also the place of origin of Mykhola.
Siddhithumka Ilam
Siddhithumka, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, falls west of the district headquarters. From here one can see the sunrise, sunset and Chure and the Mahabharata range, various parts of the Terai. To reach here, one has to travel about 17 km from the district headquarters.
Mangmalung Stone
Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, Mangmalung is a place of religious significance. Located in Mangsevung village between Barren and Ibhang, this place is also a holy place for the followers of Kirant religion. This place is also known as Autari hill. There are stone statues and various paintings of lions, snakes, kites and other animals. The cave of Matrika Kiranteshwar is an important religious heritage here. Inside the forest, there are vibrant and natural stone figures reflecting the occasion of Shiva Parvati’s wedding. Statues of Shiva and his friend (Lokendra) as bridegroom and Parvati and his friend (Lokandri) as bride, There are bizarre landscapes including Shiva Parvati’s playground cave.
Similarly, there is another huge stone on top of a huge stone. Which can be shaken by the use of normal force. But you can’t fight. There is a hole about 1 foot round. It is said that hot steam comes out from there in winter months and you can’t touch it. These topics also seem necessary and appropriate to study and research from a scientific point of view. Mangmalung can be reached from Ilam headquarters and Damak in Jhapa and Ravi in Panchthar.
Gajurmukhi Devi Temple Ilam
The temple of Gajurmukhi Devi is situated on the banks of Deumai river at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. This is another place of religious significance. A big religious fair is held here on the full moon day of Kattik. From Gajurmukhi Ilam, Nepaltar can be reached at a distance of about 41.5 km via Mangalware Bazaar.
Pathibhara Temple
Pathibhara, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level, is a place of religious significance. The former Kolbung VDC of East Ilam now belongs to Rong Municipality. A temple has been built at this place on the top of Kutidanda and Hanspokhari. After climbing the stairs for about 20 minutes from Kutidanda on the Mechi Highway, you can reach the temple of Pathibhara Devi. These goddesses are worshiped as the sisters of the famous Pathibhara goddess of Taplejung. Some even call her Sani Pathibhara Devi. Various studies have shown high potential for paragliding here.
Narayansthan Temple
Narayansthan Temple is in Ilam Bazaar. Here is the temple of Lord Shiva, Mother Santoshi and Narayan. This temple is also important for the propagation of education. This temple was built in 1922 BS by Bhavanidas Rajalvat.
Maisthan Bhagwati Temple
Ilam market is close to the famous temple deities. In this place, regular worship is performed and Puranas are also worn. This place is called Khalanga Khaldo and the stone in front of the temple is called Ilanga Dhunga. There are also small temples of Ganesh, Dunkini and Singhvahini near the temple.
Setidevi Temple
Ward No. 9 of Setidevi Ilam Municipality, now Ward No. This temple of 6 is on a rock 200 meters above Puvakhola. The huge stone inside the rock is worshiped as a goddess.
Find Ilam In Map Of Nepal
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