
The Akala Temple, situated in Ward No. 3 of Myagdi Municipality, Kilchok, Tanahun, has been a familiar pilgrimage site for religious tourism in this region since ancient times. The natural rock sculptures of various deities, including the goddess carved in stone, along with lions, bulls, and other deity figures, are the special attractions of this place. Especially, the belief that conch shells ring in the temple premises during the night has further enhanced the glory and significance of this place, as stated by the locals.
In recent times, there has been increasing government interest and discussion for the development of the Akala Temple as a religious tourism destination. Various social organizations have also contributed to its promotion and development.
The Hikers Club Nepal, focusing on promoting tourism destinations in Pokhara and its surroundings through hiking, has targeted Akala Temple and nearby tourist destinations in its 44th edition. “We are actively promoting tourism destinations in Pokhara and its vicinity through hiking every last Saturday of the month,” said Club President Krishna Ranabhattacharya. “Our main objective is to illuminate the destinations left behind by development through hiking,” he added. Ranabhattacharya also mentioned the increasing attraction towards hiking in recent times, with 37 participants in the 44th edition, starting from Dhairre Chok of Dhyangadi to Jamune Kamal Koti via Myagdi Municipality-3.
He expressed the possibility of making Dhairre a suitable destination for a day hike, up to Jamune Kamal Koti, provided there is local awareness. Highlighting the continuous growth of religious faith and belief in Akala Temple and its surrounding area from ancient times, locals mention visitors coming for worship from places like Tanahun, Kaski, Syangja, and Lamjung.
According to local social worker Hareraj Bagale, Akala Devi has been worshiped as a deity since ancient times, and the belief in her powers makes people come to take blessings. To protect and develop the temple, Yogi Narharinath had initiated the construction of an 85 crore home in 2055 BS.
The belief of Sadhus visiting the temple from time to time also helps to highlight the significance and religious power of this pilgrimage site, as locals mention. During the night, the automatic ringing of the temple bell, the continuous fall of the Khatar into the Katari during the monsoon, and the giant rock of Rudradevi Temple left undisturbed for anyone to lift are taken as signs of divine power by the locals. Visiting the temple, one feels the fulfillment of wishes due to the belief in divine power, as mentioned by the locals.
The faith in the place’s religious significance and belief has constantly increased, despite individual or family problems being resolved after understanding Akala Devi, making their belief stronger. In recent times, the reconstruction of the Akala Temple, along with the construction of Shivalaya, Sattal, and others, has been undertaken.
Sanjay Acharya, a journalist, points out that even with the aim of promoting and developing religious treasures, the increase in religious tourism activities can stop the migration of the youth if they are given proper guidance. “We have not been able to link our historical and religious heritage with tourism effectively,” Acharya said. “Highlighting the importance of our local areas is the first step towards tourism development,” he added.
He further emphasized the need to stop the increasing migration of the youth by linking religious and historical heritage with tourism activities, amid most picturesque villages turning into humanless settlements.