Enormous bell of Nisan Temple lures thousands of visitors

By Kabi Raj Ghimire,Hile, Aug. 7: A big bell situated on the premises of the Nisan temple in Dhankuta has become a centre of attraction for religious tourists.

 It has grown so captivating that every visitor who reaches  Dhankuta does not forget to capture a photo of the bell. This fascinating bell has lately led to an increase in the number of people visiting the temple.

The impressive bell was created by assembling over 500 smaller bells. The combined  bell weighs more than 150 kg. 

This distinctive bell was crafted in 2020 during the renovation of the temple. At that time, the temple management was confused as to what they should do with so many smaller bells. 

They could have simply discarded these bells, but that would have meant losing the ancient resonance that echoed with each ring. 

Seeking an alternative, Dinesh Shrestha, a local youth, proposed the idea of creating a gigantic bell by combining these smaller ones. 

Secretary of the Nisan Temple Management Committee, Janardan Ghimire approved the idea and put it into action. Among the bells incorporated into this giant masterpiece are those dating back to 1874.

Initially, the idea was simply to manage the smaller bells, but the result was unexpectedly rewarding, said Ghimire. 

 Ghimire said that the bell has not only preserved the legacy of the old bells but has also enhanced the temple’s reputation. Furthermore, it has boosted the number of visitors to the temple.

The Nisan Temple has its origins back in 1784 when Prasad Singh Basnet arrived in Dhankuta for administrative work in the East.

 The Nepali Army holds this temple in high regard, maintaining an arrangement for an army priest to reside within the temple complex. 

Regular aaratis, are performed by the locals, keeping the spiritual tradition alive in the temple, informed Ghimire.