Halesi–Maratika Caves
Also known as: Halesi Mahadev · Maratika · हलेसी
Limestone caves sacred to Hindus as Halesi Mahadev, to Buddhists as Maratika, and to the Kirat people.
Halesi is one of the rare places sacred to three traditions at once. Hindus believe Shiva hid in the caves from the demon Bhasmasur; Buddhists believe Guru Padmasambhava and his consort Mandarava attained immortality here, calling it Maratika; and the Rai Kirat people revere it as an ancestral site.
The main cave is large enough to hold hundreds of people, with a skylight in its roof. The biggest fair is at Shivaratri, and many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims come on long-life retreats. The village has a monastery and simple guesthouses.
