Myagdi's Maharani Than Emerges as a Premier Religious Tourism Destination

Myagdi. Maharani Than, located in Beni Municipality-7, Myagdi, has developed into a new religious tourism destination.

Until a few years ago, the significance of Maharani Than was limited to the municipality and Myagdi district, but it has now gained national and international recognition due to publicity, infrastructure development, and improved accessibility. Manju KC Ghimire, office secretary of the Maharani Area Development Fund, stated that devotees from Myagdi, as well as Parbat, Baglung, Kaski, Chitwan, and Kathmandu, have been visiting for worship in increasing numbers.

“Previously, most devotees came from Myagdi and Jaljala in Parbat,” she said, “but recently, devotees from major cities across the country have started arriving.” On the occasion of the New Year on Tuesday, the highest number of devotees yet arrived at Maharani for worship, forming long queues from morning until afternoon.

Lalit Bahadur GC, a member of the Maharani Area Development Fund, noted that the increase in visitor numbers has led to higher income from offerings and donations. He mentioned that the fund, which was in deficit when the new committee was formed a year ago, now has over Rs 1 million in its account.

The novel 'Maharani', written by litterateur Chandra Prakash Baniya, has highlighted the historical and religious importance of the site. The novel 'Maharani' received Nepal's prestigious Madan Puraskar in 2077 BS. The site is also mentioned in another novel, 'Tuluraja', written by Baniya, who is also a former parliamentarian. GC stated that the increased publicity through these novels and other media has contributed to the rise in visitors.

According to him, devotees whose vows have been fulfilled come to offer goats for sacrifice on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Pigeons are also released to fulfill vows, and it is customary to offer coconuts and prasad. Regular worship takes place on days other than Saturday and Tuesday as well.

According to historian Prof. Dr. Karna Bahadur Baniya, in Poush 1744 BS, Queen Bishwaprabha came from Jyamkot to Beni, the winter capital of the Parbat state, to plead for her husband Bhartibam, who was accused of treason by the then Baise Chaubise Jyamrukkote King Mallebalme. Upon learning that her husband had already been killed, she went to Kurilakharka and committed suicide by hanging herself from a tree.

History records that the 'Bahuni' priest's wife, who accompanied her and could not bear to witness the scene, also took her own life by hanging. This is how the village came to be known as Maharani Than. Kalpana Baruwal from Beni, who visited for worship, mentioned that people believe their wishes are fulfilled here. Krishna Khatri, also from Beni, stated that he visits regularly due to his faith and belief in Maharani Than.

Beni Municipality is focusing on infrastructure development and promotion of religious and tourist sites, including Maharani Than, Galeshwor, Pulashram, Tatopani Kunda, and Lovely Hill, to extend the stay of pilgrims traveling to Mustang and Muktinath. Mayor Surat KC stated that the municipality has allocated Rs 800,000 this year and is preparing to pave the temple premises with slate stones in partnership with the Maharani Area Development Fund.