Palpa’s ‘Rishikesh’ emerging as a major religious tourism destination

PALPA: The historic Rishikesh temple located in Ridi, Tansen Municipality–14, has increasingly developed into a prominent religious tourism destination, attracting devotees from various districts who visit with the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled.

Situated at Rurukshetra (Ridi) — the confluence of the Palpa, Gulmi, and Syangja districts — Rishikesh is revered as a manifestation of Lord Narayan.

The temple was established in 1575 BS by the then King of Palpa, Mani Mukunda Sen, after discovering a sacred stone statue while bathing in the Kaligandaki River at this very spot.

The five-century-old temple continues the tradition of organizing a grand chariot procession the day after Haribodhani Ekadashi. This year too, the Rath Yatra of Lord Rishikesh drew thousands of pilgrims, saints, and devotees from across the country.

Priest Bibek Bhattarai said that around 5,000 devotees visited the temple on the day of the procession alone. The chariot was taken from the temple premises to Ridi Bazaar, Rishikesh Kshetra, and Argali Bazaar, where devotees offered prayers and worship.

Ruru Kshetra Dham is regarded as one of the “Char Dhams of Nepal.” The religious significance of this sacred site is associated with Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Rishikesh.

According to belief, bathing in the Ridi River and worshipping Lord Rishikesh absolves devotees of sins and leads them toward salvation, said Parshuram Bhattarai, Chairperson of the Rishikesh Temple Management Committee.

The temple draws pilgrims year-round, with particularly large crowds during Maghe Sankranti and the Rath Yatra. In recent years, local authorities, Guthi organizations, and various institutions have intensified efforts to promote the Ruru region as a religious tourism hub.

With the reconstruction of temples, improvements to pilgrimage routes, and the expansion of essential infrastructure such as drinking water and sanitation, Ruru Kshetra has become an emerging attraction for domestic tourists.

Local resident Kamal Khanal noted that the Rath Yatra not only symbolizes deep religious faith but also reflects cultural unity. Tansen Municipality even declares a local holiday to mark the festival of Lord Rishikesh.