Archaeological Remains of 15th Century Temple Discovered in Uku Mahal, Malikarjun Rural Municipality-6, Darchula

Archaeological remains of a temple dating back to the 15th century have been discovered in Uku Mahal, Ward No. 6 of Malikarjun Rural Municipality, Darchula. During excavations conducted by the Department of Archaeology, artistic stones, statues, partial temple spires, stone fountains, and stone fragments shaped like lions were found. The Uku Mahal area is considered significant for religious and cultural tourism development and plans are underway to nominate it for the World Heritage list. (6 Baisakh, Darchula)

The excavation team, led by Senior Archaeological Officer Himal Kumar Upreti, is currently working in the Uku area. According to Archaeological Officer Hariprasad Bhusal, a substantial number of artistic stones, various statues, partial temple spires, stone fountains, basaha, and stone components depicting lions have been unearthed during the excavation.

The stones discovered during the excavation are being measured and systematically numbered. Preparations are also underway to transfer some significant statues to the Chhauni Museum in Kathmandu for preservation. Gokarna Singh Dhami, the ward chairperson of Malikarjun Rural Municipality-6, mentioned that although the excavation work is progressing positively, there is a lack of sufficient funding.

Anil Paudel, Chief District Officer of Darchula, emphasized the importance of the Uku Mahal area for religious and cultural tourism development. According to Rural Municipality Chairperson Hiras Singh Dhami, the Department of Archaeology has been continuously conducting excavations and research here for the past two years. It is believed that Uku Mahal was the capital of the medieval Katyuri kings, highlighting its historical significance.