The Ram Temple, located in Pokharebagar, Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, Myagdi, has been successfully reconstructed. The temple, originally built around a century ago, had fallen into disrepair along with its adjoining rest house. During the expansion of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road and the construction of a motorable bridge over the Kali Gandaki River, the temple was relocated to a new site.
According to Khadga Giri, the chairperson of the Ram Temple Reconstruction Committee, the temple, previously situated below the Beni-Jomsom road, was moved above the road and fully renovated. The reconstruction project was completed for NPR 2.47 million.
Giri mentioned that the Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project had initially agreed to provide NPR 1.5 million for the reconstruction, out of which NPR 1.33 million has been disbursed so far. Additionally, NPR 474,707 was raised through donations, and NPR 111,700 was generated from internal revenue. However, the project still has an outstanding debt of NPR 280,856, and the road project is yet to release the remaining NPR 167,339 as per the agreement.
The Annapurna Rural Municipality allocated NPR 1 million from its budget last year to construct a rest house within the temple premises. To complete the rest house, an additional NPR 500,000 has been allocated for the fiscal year 2081/82. The temple’s perimeter fencing and the installation of a statue of Hanuman are still pending, and Chairperson Giri stated that efforts are being made to secure additional financial resources for these purposes. A statue of Lord Ram has already been installed inside the temple.
Pokharebagar, where the temple is situated, is not only the center of Annapurna Rural Municipality but also a stop along the pilgrimage route to the sacred Muktinath Temple. The area is located along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, known for the presence of Shaligram stones. Recognizing its religious and cultural significance, Annapurna Rural Municipality’s Vice Chairperson, Diba Tilija, mentioned that initiatives are being taken to develop Pokharebagar into a new religious tourism destination.
