Jaimini Municipality has unveiled plans to promote Jaiminidham, a prominent religious site, as a tourist destination by enhancing its facilities and infrastructure. Located in Jaimini Municipality-1 along the sacred banks of the Kaligandaki River, Jaiminidham holds historical significance as the site where sage Jaimini is believed to have meditated. Efforts are underway to preserve this heritage with targeted development initiatives aimed at boosting tourism.
The municipality has committed to infrastructure development and promotional activities to attract visitors to this ancient religious site. The Kaligandaki Corridor, a nationally recognized project, has significantly increased Jaiminidham’s appeal. With more travelers stopping to visit Jaiminidham as they pass along this major route, the municipality has focused on further improving access and facilities. Deputy Mayor Harihar Sharma emphasized that the promotion of Jaimini Rishi’s meditation site is a central goal, with plans to transform the area into a meditation hub.
“We are committed to both promoting the religious significance of this area and creating the necessary infrastructure to attract visitors,” stated Sharma. “We’ve allocated land for the development of a meditation center honoring Jaimini Rishi’s legacy, and a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared for long-term redevelopment, including the construction of an assembly hall, rest shelters, walking trails, and other structures.”
According to Sharma, the current fiscal year includes a budget of NPR 2.5 million dedicated to infrastructure development. A pathway linking the municipality center at Kushmisera with Bhairavsthan is under construction, with the initial focus on erecting a life-sized statue of Jaimini Rishi. “Our goal is to enhance tourism while boosting the local economy,” he added.
To protect the riverbank from erosion, the municipality has already made substantial investments, including securing around three ropani (about 1,500 square meters) of land for the construction of the Gandaki Meditation Center. The municipality is collaborating with the Gandaki Province Government, with the Ministry of Social Development and the Tourism Ministry contributing NPR 1 million and NPR 1.5 million, respectively, toward the project.
The planned installation of a life-sized statue of Jaimini Rishi is expected to be completed within two years, reflecting the municipality’s commitment to honoring Jaimini’s legacy. Key attractions in Jaiminidham include sacred Shankha Shila, Dev Shila, and Nag Shila stones, along with the revered Jaimini Cave where the sage meditated. These sites will be preserved and developed, with an estimated total investment of NPR 140 million for infrastructure.
Local entrepreneur Hari Nayak noted that the Kaligandaki Corridor has already increased visitor numbers, adding that further improvements, such as blacktopping the corridor, would make Jaiminidham a prominent stopover for tourists traveling from Butwal to Muktinath. “Attracting tourists requires organized roads, lodging options, and a scenic environment,” said Nayak. “Once the corridor is completed, Jaiminidham will experience an even greater boost in tourism.”
The site, once home to a popular Makar Sankranti fair, now held in Kushmisera in recent years, continues to hold immense cultural and spiritual value. By spotlighting the meditation site of Veda Vyasa’s son, Sage Jaimini, the municipality is aiming to revitalize Jaiminidham as a major religious tourism attraction.
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