Rs. 3m raised to preserve temples

By Our Correspondent

Tanahun, Oct. 28:  A grand Shreemad Bhagwat Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya held at Chimkeshwari and Budhimai temples in Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality–5, Tanahun, has raised more than Rs. 3 million in donations. The event aims to preserve the temples, expand physical infrastructure, and promote religious tourism in the area.

According to the organising committee, Chairman of the Chimkeshwari Tourism Development Committee, Krishna Man Tamang, and Indramaya Tamang made the largest single donation of Rs. 501,101. 

Similarly, Amrit KC and Goma KC from Aanbukhaireni–3 contributed Rs. 505,558, while Keshar Bahadur KC and Sanumaya KC donated Rs. 111,111. Krishna Bahadur Khatri and Dhankumari Timilsina contributed Rs.125,055.

The committee reported that total collections have already surpassed Rs. 3 million. The Mahayagya, organised by the Chimkeshwari Tourism Development Committee, is being held from October 25 to November 1.

The organisers have set an ambitious target of raising around Rs.100 million through the event.

Funds collected from the Mahayagya will be used to develop the temple premises, construct permanent structures, a meditation centre, an assembly hall, rest houses, sanitation facilities, roads, and parking spaces. 

The committee has identified five key priorities: temple area conservation, establishment of a floral training centre, improved access for devotees, rest house construction, and enhanced sanitation facilities.

Deputy Chairperson of Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality, Durga Aryal, expressed the local government’s commitment to developing Chimkeshwari as a religious tourism hub. 

Former chairperson of the rural municipality, Gir Bahadur Thapa, emphasised the need for sustained, long-term efforts to develop the temple area.

The Mahayagya is taking place at the Hat Bazaar area of Aanbukhaireni–3, where the religious discourses are being delivered by Pandit Dinbandhu Pokharel, a well-known spiritual orator.

Situated at an altitude of 2,134 metres above sea level, the Chimkeshwari Temple offers breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Buddha, Saipal, and Api Himalayan ranges. According to local belief, Chimkeshwari and Budhimai are revered as sisters of the goddess Manakamana of Gorkha, and it is said that worshipping them fulfils one’s wishes.