Bal Gopal Shish Mahal built in Devdaha

By Kapil Gayawali,Rupandehi, Aug. 14: The Bal Gopal Shish Mahal has been constructed in Devdaha, Rupandehi to promote religious tourism.

 The Shish Mahal was built at a total cost of Rs. 7.5 million, with Rs. 500,000 contributed by Devdaha Municipality and Rs. 7 million by the local community.

The Durga Temple Conservation Committee of Devdaha,7, established in 1914, has stated that the Shish Mahal was constructed to develop religious heritage and promote religious tourism.

The temple’s chairman, CP Basyal, said that the Shish Mahal was built in the name of Lord Krishna’s childhood name, Bal Gopal. He also informed that the Devdaha Manideep Dham is planned to be constructed within the temple premises.

 “We have built the Bal Gopal Shisha Mahal as part of the Manideep Dham project,” he said. “This will play a significant role in the development of religious tourism in the Devdaha area.”

Chairman Basyal emphasised that along with tourism development, religious infrastructure in the area should be developed, local devotees encouraged to participate in religious activities, and Devdaha promoted as a cultural town. For this, Devdaha Municipality should formulate a master plan for religious tourism.

He further highlighted the need to promote Devdaha as the birthplace of Buddha’s mother Mayadevi, auntie Prajapati Gautami, and wife Yashodhara, and to develop infrastructure for accommodations for both domestic and international tourists.

Inside the newly built Bal Gopal Shish Mahal, various artworks depicting Krishna’s childhood pastimes, the playful activities of the Gopis, the slaying of Kalinga Naga, and Krishna in his cosmic form have been beautifully presented. 

According to the temple treasurer, Dinanath Sapkota, three artists from Delhi, India, worked continuously for two months to create the artwork.

The committee claimed that this is the first Shish Mahal built in Lumbini Province. Treasurer Sapkota added that the artwork was created by joining tiny pieces of glass on nearly 2,000 square feet of space.

The Shish Mahal, whose foundation stone was laid on August 26, 2024, was completed within a year. The committee is preparing to inaugurate it on Saturday on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.

The inauguration will be done by Swami Vivekananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj’.

Along with the Shish Mahal, structures such as Arjun Ratha, Buddha Bihar, water fountains, a scenic religious park, rest areas, and an attractive entrance gate have been constructed on the temple premises.

 Chairman Basyal informed that the construction was funded through the temple’s internal income, donations, contributions from local benefactors, and funds received from Devdaha Municipality and other organisations.

On the inauguration day, free entry will be arranged. From August 17, an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person and Rs. 30 for students will be applicable.

 For groups visiting together, a fee of Rs. 30 per person will be charged for a group of 30 people, informed the committee.