Ugratara Temple to be rebuilt in traditional style

By Pushkar Bhandari

Dadeldhura, Nov. 17: Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has pledged to initiate the reconstruction of the Ugratara Temple in its traditional style. 

During the grand annual fair and worship ceremony at the famous Ugratara Bhagwati Temple in Dehijant on Saturday, Deuba expressed his commitment to restoring the religious heritage, which had been rebuilt with concrete in recent years, back to its original form.

The Department of Archaeology (DoA) had allocated Rs. 16.2 million three years ago for removing the concrete and restoring the temple using traditional materials. However, the reconstruction contract could not be finalised due to the lack of construction companies specialising in the restoration of heritage in the traditional style in Sudurpaschim Province. 

The use of cement and concrete in the temple’s reconstruction, done without informing the DoA, had led to the temple being removed from the department’s heritage list. The Ugratara Temple was first listed as a heritage site by the DoA in 1985 during the Panchayat era, and even a postage stamp featuring the temple was issued. However, following the unauthorised use of concrete for its reconstruction, the temple was delisted in 1998.

During his visit to the fair, Deuba received a formal petition from the Ugratara Area Development Committee, urging action to advance the traditional-style reconstruction of the temple. Accepting the petition, Deuba assured that he would work to ensure the allocated budget is effectively utilised. The budget is intended for restoring the temple’s structure by using materials like stone, wood, and copper. It will preserve its cultural, historical, and traditional significance.

Deuba emphasised the importance of addressing the cultural and spiritual sentiments of the local community by restoring the temple’s original design and prioritising the use of local resources. 

The temple’s exterior structures will be transformed to reflect its ancient heritage. On Saturday, Deuba and his spouse and Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, performed worship at the Ugratara Temple. 

Congress leader Dr. Rana held a meeting with local party leaders and members on Friday evening. She stressed the need for unity within the party, acknowledging the internal disputes and calling for collective efforts. 

She also highlighted the challenges faced by Dadeldhura Hospital, which has struggled to operate at full capacity due to a lack of human resources. 

Dr. Rana assured that efforts would be made to secure the necessary budget for blacktopping roads in the district headquarters and establishing a medical college.