Manithan Temple, located in the Aampu Khaseri area of Pokhara Metropolitan City-33, stands as a witness to over 200 years of history. Established alongside the growth of local settlements, the temple holds special prayers every year during the festival of Fagu Purnima, along with regular offerings throughout the year. Locals participate in a collective worship ceremony that includes the Panchbali ritual during this festive occasion.
According to Shiva Bahadur Thapa, advisor to the Manithan Conservation Committee, the temple offers stunning views of the Pokhara and Lekhnath regions, including the Pokhara Valley. From the temple premises, visitors can enjoy panoramic sights of several mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Annapurna.
Nearby significant religious sites include Chandi Deurali, Kotbhairav, and Kanthadevi temples. The area also offers breathtaking views of various scenic locations along the Prithvi Highway, the Seti River, Rupakot, Pumdi, and Devchuli in Nawalpur, among others. Locations like Lame Aahal, Kalika Temple, and Helmet Danda are also visible from Manithan.
In addition to the ancient temple, a new structure was established two years ago, featuring a statue of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, modeled after the Muktinath style. The temple complex spans approximately 30 ropanis and includes three picnic areas, a playground, restrooms, and waiting areas, with an investment of around NPR 5 million from local government, donors, and other supporters.
Thapa emphasized the importance of promoting the temple’s religious and touristic significance, calling for collective efforts to improve access routes and water facilities. The Gurung community, along with other local groups, has actively contributed to the temple’s preservation and development. The area is also rich in flora, including rhododendrons and various medicinal herbs, thanks to its elevated terrain.
Access to the temple is available via several routes, including Chaplyang, Thulopakh, Muhankhola School, Jowabari, Deurali Danda, Chisapani, Khaseri, and Aampu. It can also be reached from Lamgadi through Aampubhanjyang.
Harishchandra Paudel, a youth from Belbute in Pokhara Metropolitan City-32, noted the potential for Manithan to become a favored destination for day hikes, attracting visitors seeking a break from the bustling city life. He stressed the need for improved tourism infrastructure to develop the temple as a historical and religious tourism site.
Local resident Nawaraj Ghimire shared that visitors can reach Manithan within a four-hour walk, offering a perfect escape for those looking to enjoy the stunning mountain views. He mentioned a recent successful day hike during the Dashain festival.
With Pokhara already recognized as a tourism capital, Ghimire believes that promoting nearby destinations like Manithan could extend tourist stays, benefitting local economies. He underscored the necessity of developing such historical sites into religious tourism destinations, calling for investments from all levels of government to enhance their significance.
Source: RSS
