Feature: Everlasting fire burning bright in Nepal's Gorkha Palace

Gorkha Durbar is a glorious fort located about 140 kilometers away from the capital in the Gorkha district, Gorkha and stands as a testament to the Monarchy or Shah Dynasty of Nepal.

Prithvi Narayan Shah, the father of the modern state, was born in this palace in 1723 BS. He created an empire by unifying the country and his name was written in golden lettering to honor his legacy Nepal's history.

The 17th century also saw the creation of the Gorkha Durbar, which also has an important meaning in Nepal, known only to a few. In a corner of this fort, is a priest dressed in red attire with, adorned with enormous silver earrings lighting firewood which is known as Akhanda Dhuni.

Akhanda Dhuni means never-ending fire and this particular fire has been kept lit at the Gorakhnath temple in palace's premises for more than 400 years.

"This fire is for the sake of the state and its existence. It is believed that it will protect the state from dangers or troubles. Earlier, worshipping was limited to royal family members but later it has been

opened for public", Ishwar Nath Yogi, Chief Priest at Gorakhnath Temple, told Xinhua.

The 52-year-old Yogi has been lighting this firewood continuously for the last 16 years along with his brother. Four priests have been officially appointed for this role throughout history, although at the moment one has died owing to bad health, and the other is currently suffering ill-health, Yogi explained.

Gorkha Durbar, which was built by King Ram Shah, has seen the fire burn in its premises ceaselessly since the death of the queen of Ram Shah in the 17th century. Prior to the queen's death, the fire was only lit in times of danger.

The palace also serves as a shrine for Hindu Guru Gorakhnatn and the Goddess Kalika, for which the fire also holds a special significance.

Kings and their families used to visit the palace a few times a year to pray for the wellbeing of the nation, but this ancient tradition was changed after the monarchy's 240-year reign gave way to the federal republic.

"During the rule of the Shah Kings, we were treated like state priests. But the new rulers and parties don't even acknowledge our duty. The new prime minister has not visited this place once since his appointment," an annoyed Yogi Told Xinhua, adding that the former King Gyanendra Shah was the last king of the Shah dynasty to visit and stay at the Gorkha palace.

The Nepal government has been providing a minimal salary of 3000 rupees (30 U.S. dollars) per month to the priest and his helpers. Their task is immense but the pay is too low, but they feel proud to serve the nation.

Sixty-seven year old Tunga Dhoj Ale, a helper of the chief priest for the last 10 years told Xinhua "The salary can only bear the expenses of breakfast. But I feel very happy to serve the state. This fire and Gorakhnath baba have some magical power."

The priest and his assistant both said that due to their profound love and devotion towards the monarchy, they would carry out their fire lighting duties until they die.

The wood for the everlasting fire is provided by the government through the Gorkha Durbar Supervision Committee and while visitors receive tika, prasad and blessings from the main priest, only a few people know about the significance of this sacred fire.

Sirish Panta, a tourist from the Chitwan district, was among those who has no idea about the importance of this centuries-long sacred fire.

"I have been here several times, but I have never asked about the fire. I imagine it must serve some religious or traditional purpose,"he said.

According to the Supervision Committee, around 500 people used to visit the Gorkha palace every day before the April 25 deadly earthquake which severely damaged portions of palace.

The number of visitors has dropped however to 100-150 on average recently, which for the priests is unfortunate as less and less people will come to understand the true meaning and power of this 400-year- old everlasting fire. Endit