Malikarjun

Malikarjun Temple, located in Darchula district, is a famous religious site in the Far West. This temple is also called 'Shikhar Malikarjun'. Although one has to undertake a very difficult journey to reach this temple located on a high hill, devotees reach here in large numbers. A grand fair is held here especially on Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima.

History

Malikarjun Temple is an extremely important pilgrimage site in the Far West, which was declared the seventh National Dham of Nepal in 2065 BS. Its history is connected with devotees who came from the Katyur Valley of India between the 13th and 16th centuries. According to mythology, in the Manaskhanda of the Skanda Purana, this region is called 'Arjun Mountain', where the meeting of Goddess Malika and Arjun (Shiva) took place. It is said that the Lord appeared in a dream to Abhayraj Pandey and commanded him to follow a tiger and establish a temple wherever the tiger stops. According to that, it is believed that a Shivalinga was brought from Srisail of South India and established here.

Architecture

Malikarjun Temple is mainly divided into two parts: 'Mud Mandir' located in the lower part and 'Shailya Shikhar Dham' located on the upper peak. The structure of the temple is in traditional hill style. Shikhar Dham is located at an altitude of about 5,000 meters above sea level, where natural stones themselves are worshipped as the Lord. There are temples of other local deities like Latinath, Kailpal, and Balichan in the temple complex.

Religious Rules and Customs

Very strict rules have to be followed for the visit here. There is a tradition of staying pure for 15 days and eating a purely vegetarian diet before going to visit Shikhar Dham. According to religious belief, there is a special rule that only married women and men who have performed Bratabandha can visit the main peak of Shikhar Dham.

Major Festivals and Jatras

• Shikhar Jatra: This is the largest fair here, held on Ashad Shukla Chaturdashi and Kartik Shukla Trayodashi.
• Gaura Parva: Gaura, the main festival of the Far West, is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.
• Kartike Jatra: A grand religious fair is held here in the months of Kartik and Mangsir, where thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India come.

Travel Guide: How to Reach

• By Air: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi. From Dhangadhi, you can take a bus or hire a jeep to Khalanga (Darchula District HQ), which takes about 12–15 hours.
• By Road: Direct buses are available from Kathmandu to Darchula (Khalanga), but it is a long journey of approximately 24–30 hours.
• From Khalanga to Temple: The temple is about 46 km from Khalanga. You can take a local jeep to Chaitalichor. From there, it is a short 25-minute walk to the base temple (Mud Mandir).
• Trek to the Peak: Reaching the main sacred peak (Shailyashikhar Dham) requires a steep uphill trek of about 3 hours from the base.

Best Time to Visit

• Autumn (October - November): The best time for the "Maha Jatra" and clear Himalayan views.
• Spring (March - May): Ideal weather for trekking and seeing blooming wildflowers.
• Gaura Parva (August): A great time to witness the unique cultural celebrations of the Far West.

Visitor Information & Tips

• Physical Fitness: The climb to Shailyashikhar is demanding and reaches high altitudes. Ensure you are fit for a steep trek.
• Strict Traditions: Be aware of local customs; certain areas of the peak have restrictions based on traditional practices.
• Clothing: Even in summer, the peak is very cold. Carry heavy woolen clothes and sturdy trekking boots.
• Accommodation: Facilities near the temple are very basic. It is advisable to stay in Khalanga and plan your visit from there.
• Respect Rituals: Always seek permission before taking photographs of religious ceremonies or the inner sanctum.