Rebuilt Shivalaya Temple becomes attractive shrine

BY TOP LAL ARYAL,Gulmi, Aug. 27: The Shivalaya Temple, located in Upper Bhadgaon of Resunga Municipality-3, Gulmi, has become an attractive site following its reconstruction. The temple was rebuilt at a cost of over Rs. 10.5 million. 

A Narmadeshwar Shiva Linga has been installed, and an eternal oil lamp (Akhanda Deep) is continuously burning inside the temple.

The foundation stone of the temple was laid in 1987, and it was officially established in 1988. Since then, continuous worship has been taking place there for nearly four decades.

Prakash Pandey, Chairman of the Temple Construction Committee, stated that in 2022, Resunga Municipality allocated Rs. 5 million, and the Tourism Office contributed Rs. 500,000 for the temple construction. He said that the design and supervision of the temple were handled by Sub-Engineer Chakra K.C. from Resunga Municipality, resulting in an attractive structure.

Over the past two years, an additional Rs. 4.5 million was allocated by the Lumbini Provincial Government, and Rs. 500,000 was provided by Resunga Municipality for further construction. In total, Rs. 10.5 million have been spent on the temple so far.

With support from various organisations and locals, a Narmadeshwar Shiva Linga was brought from India and installed in the temple on July 31, 2025. Additionally, Rudri and Chandi recitations are being done every Monday.

Baburam Marasini, Chairman of the Temple Management Committee, said that all wishes made at the temple would be fulfilled as it holds the spiritual power. He said that Upper Bhadgaon is just a three-kilometre walk from Tamghas, the district headquarters, making it easily accessible to devotees. He said that there were plans to develop the route from Tamghas to Bhadgaon to Saune to Resunga as a religious trail.

Marasini added that offerings were collected from 270 households in the village to bring the Shiva Linga from India, and now, daily morning and evening rituals, including devotional dances, are conducted alongside the Akhanda Deep.

Yam Lal Pandey, secretary of the Temple Management Committee, pointed out the need to build a proper gate for the temple and to manage a sheltered area (Shitalpati) for devotional singing (bhajan-kirtan).

Baburam Khatri, Ward Chairman of Resunga Municipality-3, said that despite the temple's power and significance, it has remained underrecognized due to transportation difficulties and a lack of publicity.