Efforts are underway to develop Kuberdham in Malika Panchase, Baglung Municipality-5, as a major religious and tourist destination with the construction of essential infrastructure. The sacred site, believed to be where Kubera meditated, is set to become a prominent place for both spiritual practices and tourism.
Kuberdham, which has long been overlooked despite its mythological and religious significance, is now seeing significant infrastructure development under the leadership of Himalayan Baba, the head of the initiative. The area, named Dhankuver in honor of Kubera’s association with wealth protection, is seeing a surge in developmental work aimed at making it a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.
According to Jagatguru Ramanujacharya Tridandi Swami Shree Himalayan Baba, Kubera meditated in the Malika Temple area, which has now been renamed Dhankuver to mark its association with wealth conservation. The project includes the construction of a 54-foot-tall statue of Kubera alongside other religious infrastructure in the Panchase region.
The project has already made significant progress with the creation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), developed in collaboration with Baglung Municipality, with plans for constructing a temple, statue, and various other religious structures. The project, which holds immense religious value, is being carried out with the support of the Gandaki Provincial Government’s Tourism Ministry, which allocated Rs. 10 million for the construction of the temple and other structures.
Furthermore, a master plan for the construction of various religious structures, including Kubera’s statue, Sis Mahal, and a public welfare building, has been prepared with a budget of Rs. 9.64 million. According to Raju Khadka, the Deputy Mayor of Baglung Municipality, the municipality contributed Rs. 300,000 to support the development of the master plan and its execution.
Historically, Kubera, the god of wealth, is believed to have meditated at the site in Panchase, which is located in the Beedhi-5 area of Magdi District. Himalayan Baba asserts that the Kubera stone and the ancient temple in the region serve as proof of the god’s association with the place, providing evidence of its rich religious significance.
The ancient Kubera temple, which was in ruins, is currently undergoing restoration. With the ambitious plan to develop Kuberdham into a religious tourism hub, the site is expected to attract more visitors and pilgrims. Baglung Municipality has supported the initiative by assisting in the creation of a comprehensive plan to restore and build infrastructure across a five ropani plot.
Over the past three years, the pace of construction in Kuberdham has intensified. With the assistance of donors, multiple religious structures, including a road upgrade to Kuberdham, meditation huts, shelter facilities, toilets, and pathways, are being built to ensure that visitors have a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Deputy Mayor Khadka noted that these infrastructure developments are key to turning Kuberdham into an essential destination for both religious and eco-tourism. As the site grows in popularity, the hope is to draw more domestic and international tourists who seek both spiritual enrichment and a connection with Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
