BudhaSubba temple is also the tomb of the last Limbu King of Morang (a district of Nepal), Budhhi Karna Rai . He was tricked into coming to Bijaypur-Dharan for a negotiation, then killed by the assassins of King Prithvi Narayan Shah of the Kingdom of Nepal. Budhhi Karna Raya Khewang’s soul is believed to have wandered around the area of his tomb around Bijaypur and was said to be a friendly and helpful spirit. Then local Limbu people started worshiping the soul as an old king (Subba or Haang means King in Limbu language) believing it to be bring good luck. Bijaypur was the capital city of the Morang and the political and economic center of east Nepal.
There are many controversial legends surrounding this temple. According to one legend, a Kiranti hunter Budha Subba and his sister Subbini used to play and hunt on the hill with a slingshot. One day, they accidently hit the tip of a bamboo tree instead of a crow they were aiming for. From that day, the tip of the bamboo tree never grew back.. Hence, Budha Subba gave up hunting, buried his slingshot and started meditation. It is the same spot where the temple stands today and the small mound of mud is believed to be the spot where he meditated. According to this legend, the temple got its name from the hunter.
The interesting thing is, even today, the bamboo trees in Bijaypur hill do not have a tip and also, not a single crow could be found in the area, despite the occasional picnickers and the offerings in the temple.
However, another legend say that it is a tomb of the last Limbu king, Buddhi Karnaraya Khebang who was executed by the Gorkhas during the invasion by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1775. The Limbu King’s soul was believed to have wandered in the area where his tomb is located. The locals believed the spirit was friendly and helpful so they started to worship it. In Limbu language Subba or Hang means ‘King’. This legend is backed by some historians who claim it to be the tomb of the last Limbu king.
Besides being the pilgrimage, the temple also holds a significant place in the life of true lovers. The place observes many young couples writing their name together on the bamboo poles, as the legends says that the couples, who write their names on the bamboos here, will be together forever. However, due to the danger of untimely death of the bamboo trees, the couples are not allowed to carve their names anymore. Instead, they tie the colorful sacred threads on the fence as tying the threads is believed to make your wish come true and also unite you with your true love.
Hence, the temple not only hold special place in the Kiranti religion but also in the life of the Hindus and young couple. The temple at the distance of about 1km from Dharan bus stop is the ideal place for wishing for your true love and healthy life.
