Cannons awaiting protection

Hetauda: Witnesses of Nepal's unification, along with the historic cannons of Makwanpur Chisapani Gadhi, are waiting for protection. The seven artillery shells surrounding the Kalbhairav and Batuk Bhairav temples are in a state of disrepair due to a lack of protection.

The historical materials of the fort at Bhimfedi Gaonpalika-6 Chisapani under the Hetauda-Kathmandu short route are in the charge of a single priest. Due to lack of security, valuable Pancharatna, Mukutmala, and Nag Mukut were stolen in 2068 BS but the government has not shown any interest in its protection so far.

King Prithvi Narayan Shah has a history of establishing Batuk Bhairav and Kal Bhairav temples here to fulfill his vows after defeating the British army. "There is a history that the sky cannon in the fort was used by Prithvinarayan Shah when he defeated the British army," said Sitaram Thapa, chairman of Bhimfedi No. 6 wards.

The Batuk Dal Company of the Army was established in the name of Batuk Bhairav here on 18 Ashad 1842 BS. The Batuk Dal of the Nepal Army was withdrawn during the Maoist armed conflict. Since then, there is no other security in the Chisapani fort except for the priests to burn incense in the morning and evening.

Man Bahadur Poudel, a priest of the temple, said that the black cannon aimed at the south side of the fort could strike up to 61 km. "It is 15 feet 9 inches long, and the cannonballs have the inscription 'Shri 3 Jung Bahadur' on it," he said. It is said that the second cannon can hit Bhimfedi's supping, the cannon placed on the west can reach Pokhara and the cannon placed on the south can reach Ratomate of Hetauda.

There is a religious belief that women should not see the idols of Batuk Bhairav and Kal Bhairav in the Chisapani fort surrounded by seven artillery pieces. Priest Poudel said, "There is a belief that if a woman sees the idol of Batuk Bhairav inside the fort, it will be bad, so women do not enter the temple."

Though the local administration and police have taken initiative to deploy a security team for the protection of the fort, no one has shown any interest, said Thapa. "The village municipality pays for the incense burning in the temple. There is no other help from the state," he said.

Chairman of Bhimphedi Village Municipality Hidam Lama said that the initiative to protect the fort is gaining significance. "The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has allocated Rs 50 million for its conservation and reconstruction in collaboration with the village municipality," he said.

Due to lack of protection, the locals have encroached all the lands except 13 ropanis of the 18 hectare land of Chisapani Gadhi.

Chisapani Gadhi was the base of the administrative governor till 2018 BS. Chisapani Gadhi is considered to be the main fort among the about 200 forts of strategic importance in Nepal, including Makwanpur Gadhi, Sindhuli Gadhi, Harihar Gadhi, Jeet Gadhi, Kathe Gadhi, and Chaudandi.