A grand religious ceremony marked the inauguration of the newly constructed Badrinarayan Temple and the commencement of the Pran Pratishtha rituals on Saturday at Ramkot, Nagarjun-7, Kathmandu. The event was held in the distinguished presence of the Honorable President of Nepal, Mr. Ramchandra Paudel, as the chief guest. The program also featured the special participation of Swami Shri Darshan Bharti, President of India’s revered Badrinath Dham, along with prominent Vedic scholar Pandit Dinbandhu Pokharel, religious organizations, and hundreds of devotees.
The event, jointly organized by the Narayan Pokharel Foundation and the Badrinarayan Pran Pratishtha Main Ceremony Committee, was a spiritual milestone for the local community and a symbol of growing religious cooperation between Nepal and India. The sacred rituals of Pran Pratishtha, which mark the consecration of the deity by infusing divine energy, began in full Vedic tradition led by Pandit Pokharel.
President Emphasizes Spiritual Unity and Cultural Values
Speaking at the event, President Ramchandra Paudel highlighted the importance of Nepal as a source of Eastern knowledge and tradition. “Our country is a cradle of ancient Eastern philosophy. Within our traditions and civilization, we witness the unity of diverse cultures and faiths. This unity must inspire peace, tolerance, and brotherhood across the world,” he remarked.
President Paudel stated that at a time when the world is increasingly entangled in material pursuits, there is a growing disconnect from spiritual values. “Today, competition for material development is intensifying globally. As a result, peace, social harmony, and cooperation are eroding a phenomenon we can observe in our own society as well. Spiritual awakening and the human service born from it are essential to building a civilized and cultured society,” he added.
He expressed confidence that the newly established Badrinarayan Temple would not only serve as a place of worship but also contribute significantly to the promotion of Vedic Sanatan culture and religious tourism in Nepal. “Above all sects is religion, and above religion is spirituality,” the President stated, emphasizing the transcendental importance of spiritual consciousness.
Swami Darshan Bharti Highlights Nepal-India Spiritual Bond
Swami Shri Darshan Bharti, who traveled from Badrinath Dham in India to attend the program, underscored the spiritual link between the sacred places of Nepal and India. He shared that the presence of a Badrinarayan Temple in Nepal would strengthen the spiritual fabric of the region and foster mutual respect and religious exchange between the two nations.
The Swami praised Nepal’s rich Vedic traditions and expressed his blessings for the successful continuation of rituals and the long-term spiritual service that the temple would provide to devotees.
Pran Pratishtha Begins with Full Vedic Rituals
The ceremonial beginning of the Pran Pratishtha process was carried out under the spiritual guidance of Pandit Dinbandhu Pokharel, a respected Vedic scholar renowned for his mastery of sacred texts and rituals. This crucial ceremony involves invoking life into the idol through mantras, homa (fire offerings), and symbolic rites, making the deity spiritually potent for worship.
The rituals will continue for several days, involving different stages of purification, sanctification, and divine invocation, following ancient Hindu traditions.
Devotees and Community Leaders Attend in Large Numbers
Hundreds of devotees, religious scholars, community representatives, and guests gathered at the temple premises to witness the grand occasion. The atmosphere was filled with chants of mantras, devotional songs, and the sounds of traditional musical instruments. The well-managed arrangements and the active involvement of volunteers ensured a smooth and peaceful environment throughout the ceremony.
The temple courtyard was adorned with colorful decorations and cultural symbols reflecting Nepal’s diverse heritage. Community members offered prayers and participated in group rituals, reflecting the temple’s spiritual and social inclusivity.
Contribution to Religious Tourism and Social Harmony
President Paudel emphasized the potential of such spiritual centers in promoting religious tourism. With Kathmandu already housing several world heritage sites and ancient temples, the newly inaugurated Badrinarayan Temple adds another significant destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Experts believe that this temple, with its strategic location in the serene hills of Ramkot and proximity to the capital city, could become a focal point for spiritual seekers and a vital element in Nepal’s religious tourism circuit.
Role of the Organizers
The success of the event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Narayan Pokharel Foundation and the Badrinarayan Pran Pratishtha Main Ceremony Committee. Their work included the construction and design of the temple, planning the rituals, inviting dignitaries, and organizing hospitality for both national and international guests.
Their vision is to make the temple not just a place for daily worship but a long-term center for Vedic learning, meditation, community service, and intercultural exchange.
A New Chapter in Nepal’s Spiritual Landscape
With the successful inauguration and the start of the Pran Pratishtha ritual, the Badrinarayan Temple is now poised to become a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, religious unity, and cultural pride for Nepal. It stands as a testament to the timeless values of Eastern wisdom and a sacred space for generations to come.
