Myagdi. 13 May: With the improvement in road and transportation facilities, access to the Malika temple located on the border of Malika and Raghuganga rural municipalities in Myagdi has become significantly easier for pilgrims and tourists. The operation of vehicles from Malika–7 Bim Nagithala and Raghuganga–6 Thadakhani to Deurali has made it more convenient for devotees traveling to Malika Dhuri for worship and sightseeing.
Situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level, Malika hosts religious fairs during Chandi Purnima (Baisakh Purnima), Bhai Tika, and Bala Chaturdashi every year. According to Chakprasad Paija, Chairperson of the Malika Area Conservation Committee, the influx of pilgrims has increased thanks to road access. “Previously, visitors had to spend the night in temporary shelters or caves near the temple, but now they can travel in the morning and return home the same day after worship,” he said.
On Monday alone, over 4,500 devotees visited Malika to offer prayers, Paija shared. Most pilgrims come from Myagdi, Parbat, and Baglung districts. In the past, they had to camp in nearby forests the day before visiting the temple. Sanu Sharma from Beni recalled that two years ago, it took her two days to reach Malika. However, this year on Chandi Purnima, she left Beni at 6 a.m. and returned by 3 p.m. the same day.
From the Bim side of Malika Rural Municipality, the road extends up to Nagithala, followed by a 30-minute walk to reach Malika Dhuri. Similarly, from the Thadakhani side of Raghuganga Rural Municipality, vehicles can reach Deurali, and a 40-minute walk from there leads to the temple.
According to Omkar Roka, Secretary of the Malika Area Development Committee, visitors to the site can view over 20 Himalayan ranges, sunrises, more than 35 villages of Myagdi, rhododendron forests, and various wildlife and birds. There is a strong religious belief that praying at Malika Dhuri fulfills devotees’ wishes, which has made it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
“Malika Dhuri houses the idols of Malika, Kalika, and Jalpadevi. There is a tradition of offering goat and pigeon sacrifices at Malika Than upon the fulfillment of one’s wishes,” added Secretary Roka. He also mentioned that worship at the site dates back to 1910 BS (circa 1853 AD).
During this year’s Chandi Purnima festival, the committee collected offerings totaling NPR 90,000, of which NPR 67,000 remained after expenses, according to Chairperson Paija. He further noted that Bhaktiprasad Paija of Raghuganga–6 Pakhapani personally invested approximately NPR 3.4 million to construct temples of Shiva and Jalpa at the site.
