According to the temple’s chief priest (Mahant), other priests, and elders of the local Tharu community, many years ago people lived in Betahani village in Thakurbaba Municipality. While plowing his field, a farmer from that village uncovered part of a statue buried in the ground. Mistaking it for an ordinary stone, the farmer struck it while sharpening his sickle for cutting grass, at which point the statue began to bleed on its own.

News of this supernatural power and miracle spread throughout the village. The villagers then gathered and dug at the site, uncovering a magnificent statue of Lord Vishnu, artistically carved in stone, dating from the Lichhavi period.

Among the Tharu people, there is a long-standing tradition of worshipping Lord Vishnu as “Thakur.” Since the image of Lord Vishnu was clearly visible on the statue, the villagers initially named it “Thakurdwar.” Some time after the statue was discovered, the name of Lord Thakurdwar gradually came to be applied to the entire area, which became known and permanently established as “Thakurdwara.”

After the statue was found, the villagers together decided to place it in a safe and sacred location. They made countless attempts to move the statue elsewhere, but no one was able to lift it. They then used a traditional Tharu cart called a “lariya,” made of wood and bankas (a type of thatch grass), to try to move the statue.

At first, a male buffalo was used to pull the lariya. But surprisingly, as soon as the statue was placed on the lariya, the buffalo could not pull it, and the cart itself broke. The villagers understood this as a sign that “Thakurji was unwilling to travel on a cart drawn by a buffalo.” They then placed the statue on a lariya drawn by oxen instead. This time, the ox cart moved forward easily and stopped at the very place where the temple now stands. The statue was installed there, and a grand temple was built.

The Main Temple

The main temple stands at the very center of the temple complex. The historic Lichhavi-era statue of Vishnu, unearthed from the ground, is installed within this inner sanctum and is worshipped as the principal deity. Near the entrance to the main Vishnu temple, to the right, is the shrine of Lord Ganesh. According to Hindu tradition, Ganesh is worshipped first, so devotees bow their heads here before visiting Thakurdwar.

Directly in front of the main temple, or toward the southeastern corner of the complex, stands a statue of Hanuman. As a supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu, Hanuman is installed here as Thakurdwar’s protector and guardian.

Along the inner circumambulation path of the main temple and on either side of the inner sanctum, statues and images of the goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati are displayed. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, are always present alongside Lord Vishnu.

At the outer exit point of the temple complex, in the northwest corner, stands an ancient well. In earlier days, the water from this sacred well was used for worshipping Thakurdwar, offering water, and quenching the thirst of devotees who traveled from afar; it is still preserved today.

Behind the main temple and in nearby small shrines are a Shiva lingam, a small form of Sankatamochan Budhanilkantha, and shrines to other native deities.

Historical and Legendary Details

Historically, this temple is considered quite ancient. Although the Department of Archaeology has not clearly confirmed exactly how old it is, the external form and artistic craftsmanship of this stone statue suggest it dates from the Lichhavi period. According to local advocate Vidya Prasad Khanal, the statue at Thakurdwar Temple is likely not merely 100 years old, but is at least 300 and possibly up to 1,200–1,300 years old. In ancient times, people would pray and call upon Thakurdwar to protect the forests and villages of this region from wild animal attacks and divine calamities.

Daily Worship

Regular worship is performed daily at the temple according to traditional rituals. The Tharu priests (Mahants) perform special morning and evening aarti and offerings here. In particular, couples without children come here to pray for the blessing of offspring. Every year on Maghe Sankranti, a large fair (the Maghi festival) is held here, drawing thousands of devotees who bathe in the Khauraha River and visit the Thakurdwar Temple.

Current Outlook and Dimensions of Development

Under the guiding vision and slogan “Prosperous Thakurdwar: Empowered Citizens,” the local government is currently pursuing comprehensive and sustainable development in this area. By linking the distinctive religious prestige of Thakurdwar Temple with the eco-tourism potential of Bardiya National Park, the local authorities have placed special emphasis on agriculture, environmentally friendly tourism, and the establishment of modern resorts. Through the collective efforts of the local government, the community, and stakeholders, this area is being developed into one of Nepal’s finest, safest, and best-managed religious and tourist destinations.