Batulechaur, a religious and tourist site located in Kusma Municipality-12, Tuhilipokhari, has recently seen the addition of new infrastructure aimed at promoting tourism. The site, which has become an attraction for both domestic and international tourists as well as devotees, received these improvements during the last fiscal year with the support of federal, provincial, and local governments.
Ganesh Paudel, the President of the Temple Area Development Committee, stated that the infrastructure development was undertaken to enhance the experience of religious tourists visiting the site, which houses the Kalika Bhagwati Temple and a large statue of Lord Shiva. The developments include the construction of a community meeting place known as “Chautari” under a Bar Peepal tree. Paudel mentioned that the Chautaris were built in partnership with the community, where individuals or families contributed NPR 10,000 each for the construction. There are currently 124 Chautaris within the temple complex.
During Shanitryodashi, devotees from neighboring districts come to visit and worship at the 108 Peepal Chautaris, Paudel noted. Additionally, facilities such as a shelter and a day center for elderly visitors have been established, with the latter built for NPR 9.9 million through the Urban Development and Building Division Office. Financial contributions included NPR 2.5 million from the Gandaki Province Government and NPR 1 million from Kusma Municipality. Paudel also mentioned that NPR 2 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year.
Among the other developments, a tall statue of Lord Shiva, attractive entrances on the east and west sides of the temple, a pathway leading through the Peepal Chautari to the entrance, and a paved road to the temple was also constructed.
Situated 12 kilometers from the district headquarters in Kusma Bazaar, Batulechaur has become a popular spot for tourists and is now frequently used as a location for music videos and documentaries. The site has been developing into a religious and tourist destination in recent years, leading to the establishment of guesthouses and hotels around the temple area to promote tourism and create self-employment opportunities, according to resident Yugnath Paudel.
According to legend, King Dasharatha came to Batulechaur to perform the Ashwamedha Yagna to atone for the sin of killing his nephew, Shravan Kumar. It is said that the temple was established following this event. Local historians mention that while the site once housed 200-year-old structures, regular worship at the current temple has been ongoing since its construction by local priest Kritinath Upadhyay in 1913 (BS 1970).
Batulechaur has gained a reputation similar to that of the Baglung Kalika Temple, attracting pilgrims from far and wide for worship. Fairs are held here during major festivals like Dashain, Chaitra Ashtami, Balachaturdashi, and Shivaratri. Pilgrims from Kusma and Phalebas Municipalities in Parbat district, Modi Rural Municipality, and the neighboring district of Syangja attend these fairs.
From Batulechaur, visitors can enjoy clear views of Parbat’s district headquarters, Kusma, as well as Baglung, Myagdi, Syangja, and mountain ranges like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, Paudel added.
In an effort to further promote Batulechaur, the ‘Second Batulechaur Teej Fair’ is being organized this year on the occasion of Haritalika Teej on September 5 (Bhadra 21). The fair, jointly organized by the Batulechaur Kalika Bhagwati Temple Area Development Committee and the local Tuhilipokhari Ward Office, will feature a variety of activities including a traditional Teej song competition, school and open dance competitions, and performances by national and local artists.
