In the shared pilgrimage site of Muktinath, located in Ward 1 of the Wardagung Mukti Kshetra Rural Municipality, the Rani Pauwa Dharma Sala has been a significant historical landmark for over two centuries. However, two decades ago, the area lacked basic amenities such as transportation, hotels, and lodges. Pilgrims were required to carry their food and lodging supplies, often cooking and sleeping in the Dharma Sala after a long day of trekking.
In 1863, King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah constructed the Dharma Sala at the behest of his queen, leading to the site being named Rani Pauwa. The responsibility of building the Dharma Sala was entrusted to Basant Bogati from Ratnechaur in Beni Municipality. Bogati transported Sal timber from the nearby Chamarka jungle to Muktinath, and in recognition of his efforts, King Girvan Yuddha rewarded him with 301 ropani of land in Rakhu Piple, Magdi.
Traditionally, this land was used to grow crops for pilgrims visiting Muktinath, and food was offered to saints during the Jyeshtha Purnima festival at Gayatri Mandir, a practice that continues today. The two-story Dharma Sala, built using stones, mud, and wood, can accommodate up to 500 people daily, according to caretaker Govinda Acharya.
Despite its historical significance, the Dharma Sala has faced maintenance challenges. “Many pilgrims still prefer to stay here instead of hotels, but leaks from the thatched roof have caused problems due to a lack of repairs,” Acharya explained. The facility sees an influx of pilgrims during major festivals like Bada Dashain and Chaitra Dasain, while saints often seek shelter during off-peak times.
Acharya noted that heavy rainfall has caused the mud roof to leak, and the 2015 earthquake has further damaged the walls, leaving the building in a dilapidated state. Until recently, a police post was also located at the Dharma Sala, but it has been relocated following the construction of a new building.
Under the supervision of Swami Kamalanayan Acharya, the Dharma Sala provides free meals and lodging for pilgrims visiting Muktinath and Damodar Kund. Support from donors supplies essentials like lentils, rice, and vegetables, benefiting not only Rani Pauwa but also Dharma Salas in various locations including Yara, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Galeshwar in Magdi, Kudule in Baglung, Panchkot, Ramghat in Pokhara, Triveni in Nawalpur, and Kathmandu.
Rinjin Namgyal Gurung, Chairman of Wardagung Mukti Kshetra Rural Municipality, announced that the federal government has allocated NPR 9 million for the renovation of Rani Pauwa Dharma Sala for the current fiscal year 2080/81. He expressed that the restoration work will be carried out while preserving the site’s historical and cultural integrity, with plans to replace the mud roof with tin sheets to prevent further leakage.
