MYAGDI: Construction of the much-anticipated Raavan Park at Pachai, located in Beni Municipality–5 of Myagdi, has reached its final stage.
Situated atop a hill northwest of the district headquarters, Beni Bazaar, the site known as ‘Pachai’ is steeped in mythology. It is believed that ancient sages once practiced penance and sought enlightenment here.
Now, it is being transformed into a religious and cultural park centered around a towering statue of Raavan.
All major construction work has been completed except for the installation of the 10-headed figure, placement of the torso, and final cleaning of the 21-foot statue of Raavan, made from dhalot metal (an alloy).
Mayor of Beni Municipality, Surat KC, said that the park has achieved about 94 percent physical progress and is targeted for completion by the upcoming Asoj (mid-October).
“The four-ropani park features fencing, an entrance gate, footpaths paved with slate, tree plantations, and other landscaping elements,” Mayor KC said.
“Key religious features—including a Rishi-Muni temple, a hawan kunda, and the site believed to be where Raavan’s navel was buried—have been preserved. Additional infrastructure such as gardens, rest areas, fencing, and land conservation measures have also been built.”
The park is being developed under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation’s Tourism Infrastructure and Product Development Partnership Program, with 70 percent of the funding from the ministry and 30 percent from Beni Municipality.
The project was awarded to Dharma S. Kashyap JV with a contract value of Rs. 17.6 million and an original completion timeline of two years.
He noted that sacred stones marking Raavan’s birthplace and the burial site of his navel remain intact near the tapobhumi (meditation grounds) of sages Pulah and Pulastya, both referenced in the Ramayana.
The Pulah Ashram itself spans over 14 ropanis of land. Baniya expressed hope that the completion of Ravana Park would significantly boost religious tourism in the area.
Perched at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the park site offers sweeping views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna mountain ranges, stunning sunrises, and panoramic vistas of Beni town, situated at the confluence of the Myagdi and Kaligandaki rivers.
According to Hindu mythology, sages Pulah, Kapil, and Jadbharat achieved enlightenment here through penance. The fifth chapter of the Ramayana mentions that Ravana was born in Pachai, reinforcing the site’s religious significance.
Plans are also underway to develop a broader religious corridor linking Muktinath, Galeshwor, Pulachaur, Jagannath, and Todke.
Pachai can be reached via a 30-minute drive from Beni Bazaar. The road to Purundi, through Beni Arthunge, Bansbot, and Ekpate, has been blacktopped. From Purundi, a two-kilometer dirt road leads up to Pachai.
Comment