The Historical and Pilgrimage Site Andha-Andhi

The Andha-Andhi pond is the source of the Aandhikhola river and has religious and historical events attached to it. According to ancient epic the pond came into being following the death of “Shravan Kumar” a mythological character whose life was short lived in the “Ramayan”. His death is reported to have caused immense grief to his family that their weeping resulted in pond. According to local residents, it is because of this mythology that the salty taste of the pond water resembles that of human tears. The pond water is the source of the Aandhikhola river which is a tributary of the Kaligandaki river. There is a statute idol of Shravan Kumar carrying his blind parents on two baskets Over his shoulders in this area. There is a flight of steps leading from the main road which is 2 km from the pond area.

1. Andha-Andhi. Photo by Chakra Bhandari

2. Shrawan Kumar. Photo by Chakra Bhandari

3. Andha-Andhi. Photo by Chakra Bhandari