Disputes breed in Namobuddha Guthi land

By Our Correspondent,Banepa, July 6: Shree Namobuddha Bhagwan Ghyang Guthi in Namabuddha Municipality has been facing numerous disputes related to the absence of financial transparency, land registration and land encroachment.

The temple's priestly duties have traditionally been performed by the Rajbhandari, while the Ghyang Guthi is managed by the Lama community. Due to conflicting interests among various parties, several cases have been filed in the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). 

Local, Sonam Galpo Lama served as the priest of this holy site until his death on December 11, 2020. Following his demise, a dispute arose over his successors. His son-in-law sought to become the next priest, and when he was unsuccessful, his sons also attempted to take on the role. However, the Guthi Central Office appointed the deceased's younger brother, Sanukancha Lama, as the new priest, which sparked further controversy. Under the leadership of Lopsang Bajra Lama, a new management committee was formed, escalating the dispute.

Locals believe that the deceased priest's younger brother should be his rightful successor. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the transparency of donations received for Namobuddha, leading to a CIAA investigation.

Namobuddha temple holds significant land assets of over 465 ropanis of plot number 593, over 425 ropanis of plot number 1 and approximately 1 ropani of plot number 587, all registered in the temple's name. Only 3 aana of plot number 589 is registered under Ghyang Guthi. In April 2014, Priest Sonam Gyalpo Lama applied to the Guthi Sansthan, arguing that nearly 900 ropanis of land, which is currently not classified as forest, should be registered in the Guthi's name.

The priest's family continues to reside on the land, but incidents of land encroachment are on the rise. To address multiple complaints of financial misappropriation and encroachment, a committee has been formed under the leadership of Subas Paudel, assistant chief district officer. Guthi Chief Urmila Acharya has acknowledged the existence of other disputes at Namobuddha.