Efforts are underway to enhance and renovate the Jungae Mahadev Temple in Nepalgunj to promote religious tourism. The current project involves upgrading the temple and the bridge leading to it, which is located in the middle of a pond within the Bageshwari Temple complex.
Prashant Bista, the mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, stated that the renovation work aims to be completed in time for the upcoming Shivaratri festival, allowing devotees to worship at the temple. “The Jungae Mahadev Temple, a significant historical site in Nepal, is undergoing renovation to attract religious tourists. With the renovation, the Bageshwari Temple complex will also become more appealing,” Bisht said.
The contract for the renovation work, including the temple and the bridge, was signed on March 16, 2023, for NPR 10.87 million. Although the contractor was expected to complete the work by March 16, 2024, progress has been slow, with only about half of the work completed. As a result, the deadline has been extended to January 15, 2025.
Bhupendra Bohora, an engineer with the Sub-Metropolitan City, reported that the construction of the bridge’s slope and eastern steps has been completed. However, the remaining tasks include the pillar and roofing of the temple in the pond, flooring, painting, and other finishing work.
Due to the ongoing renovation, the historical idol of Jungae Mahadev, which was previously placed in the temple, has been relocated to a corner of the Bageshwari Temple complex. Local leader Rishiraj Devkota has expressed concerns that the delay in completing the work is causing inconvenience for devotees.
Krishna Prasad Shrestha, a prominent citizen of Nepalgunj, urged that the timely completion of the renovation is crucial to avoid disrupting religious tourists visiting the Bageshwari Temple area. “The renovation is an important aspect of enhancing the Bageshwari Temple’s appeal. The Sub-Metropolitan City must ensure that the project is completed within the revised deadline,” Shrestha emphasized.
