Nagarjun Municipality-7, Ramkot, has seen a significant development with the construction of the ‘Badrinarayan Dham’ at an investment of NPR 400 million. The Narayan Pokharel Foundation, established in memory of the late Pandit Narayan Pokharel, has taken the initiative to build this religious site, aimed at fostering religious tourism.
The inauguration and pran-pratishtha (idol consecration) ceremony of the dham is scheduled to take place from Baisakh 19 to Baisakh 27. This grand event will also see the establishment of daily worship arrangements. A main ceremony committee of 3,001 members has been formed under the coordination of Jayaram Lamichhane, a construction entrepreneur, according to Dinbandhu Pokharel, the patron and chairman of the Narayan Pokharel Foundation.
Spread over 22 ropani of land, the dham includes a temple built in pagoda and shikhar styles, completed at a cost of NPR 70 million. The site is also under development to include an advanced spiritual center, a meditation facility, a modern gurukul, and accommodation for devotees. Chairman Pokharel highlighted that the funding for this project has been sourced through collaboration with central, provincial, and local governments. The land for the dham was provided by the government.
The Narayan Pokharel Foundation envisions making Ramkot a prominent religious site, emphasizing that the Badrinarayan Dham will symbolize the importance of one of the four dhams.
Pandit Narayan Pokharel, born in Jestha 32, 2011 BS in Baguwa, Gorkha, was a revered spiritual leader dedicated to the country’s development through spirituality. His principle, “A prosperous nation cannot be built without physical development,” still resonates deeply. Tragically, he was assassinated on Baisakh 23, 2062 BS, in Ramapur, Rupandehi, making him Nepal’s first religious martyr. The late Pokharel was also honored with the title ‘Vachan Shiromani’ by the public for his exceptional spiritual discourses.
During his lifetime, Pokharel conducted 1,136 recitations of Purans across more than 65 districts in Nepal. To preserve and honor his legacy, the Narayan Pokharel Foundation was established on Ashwin 23, 2064 BS.
The Narayan Pokharel Foundation aims to establish Nepal’s largest spiritual hub. As part of this vision, the Badrinarayan Dham will house facilities like an administrative building, the foundation’s office, a yoga and meditation center, a havan kund, and a panchayan temple dedicated to Ganesh, Surya, Devi, and Shiva.
Speaking about the project, Dinbandhu Pokharel emphasized the foundation’s commitment to sustaining the late Narayan Pokharel’s vision through this comprehensive spiritual center. “The primary goal of the foundation is to build a grand spiritual venue in Nepal, and this vision is gradually becoming a reality,” he remarked.
The Badrinarayan Dham promises to become a landmark for religious tourism, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike while paying homage to the life and teachings of the late Pandit Narayan Pokharel. This monumental project not only enriches Nepal’s spiritual heritage but also positions Ramkot as a focal point for religious tourism in the country.
