Nestled in the lush greenery of the towering mountains and adorned with a variety of alpine flowers, Rikhar Temple, located in the picturesque Rikhar Patan of Myagdi district’s Raghu Ganga Rural Municipality-8, Kuinemangle, is a serene and captivating destination rich in historical, religious, and tourism potential. The temple, sitting atop a boat-shaped rock in a small pond, is not unique in its appearance but also holds deep spiritual significance.
Situated at an elevation of 4,010 meters in the shadow of the majestic Dhaulagiri Himal, Rikhar is renowned as a sacred site for religious worship. The area surrounding the temple is rich in medicinal herbs like Yarsagumba, Ketuuki, Panchaunle, Silajit, and more, adding to its natural allure. The primary attraction remains the temple itself, located on the boat-shaped rock, believed to be a remnant of a historical flood, according to local legends.
Visitors can reach Rikhar after a two-day trek from Myagdi’s district headquarters in Beni, passing through scenic villages like Galewshwar, Mouwaphat, Dagnam, and several others. The area offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and verdant hills, making the journey to the temple a delight for trekkers and pilgrims alike.
According to Chitra Chhantyal, the chairman of the Rikhar Conservation Committee, Rikhar is believed to be a site of penance for ancient sages, with special worship taking place during Rishi Tarpani, or Janai Purnima, every year between April and October. In recent years, the temple has seen a rise in the number of visitors, thanks to increased awareness and promotion. Pilgrims from Myagdi, as well as surrounding districts like Parbat, Baglung, and Kaski, regularly visit to pray at the temple, drawn by the belief that worship here fulfills devotees’ wishes.
The temple complex also houses a unique copper vessel shaped like a drum, which has a miraculous characteristic of never running dry despite no visible source of water. This water is considered holy, and pilgrims often take it home as sacred water, adding to the temple’s mystical appeal.
The historical significance of Rikhar is tied to ancient legends. It is believed that during a great flood that submerged the world, King Satyavrat took refuge on a boat along with the Seven Sages and important medicinal herbs. After the flood, they are said to have rested in Rikhar, and this rock is thought to be a relic of that event. The area, surrounded by natural beauty and thousands of wildflowers, is also believed to be the site of the Seven Sages’ penance, giving it the name Rikhar.
In addition to its religious importance, Rikhar has immense potential as a tourist destination. Ankit Pun, a member of the local Saptarishi Youth Club, highlights the stunning natural beauty of the area, from its snow-capped mountains to colorful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and traditional animal shelters, all of which make it an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts.
Efforts to develop Rikhar as a tourist destination are already underway. The local Rikhar Conservation Committee has been actively involved in constructing essential infrastructure like pilgrim shelters and footbridges along the trekking route. The local government, in collaboration with the conservation committee, has also prioritized promoting the area and enhancing its infrastructure to attract more visitors.
With the development of tourism infrastructure and better promotion, Rikhar has the potential to become a major religious and trekking destination. The rich culture and heritage of the minority Chhantyal community in Kuinemangle, along with the development of Rikhar, are expected to significantly contribute to the economic prosperity of the Raghu Ganga Rural Municipality.
Rikhar stands as a beacon of natural beauty, religious significance, and untapped tourism potential, awaiting further exploration and development for both pilgrims and nature lovers alike.
