Devotee offerings at the Galeshwar Temple,major religious and tourist site in the district, have contributed significantly to the local beautification project. The Galeshwar Shivalaya Area Development Fund has donated NPR 600,000 from temple offerings to support the Galeshwar Market Beautification Plan, initiated by Beni Municipality.
According to Ward Chairperson Chakra K.C. of Beni-9, in the current fiscal year, Beni Municipality allocated NPR 2 million for the project, with additional contributions of NPR 600,000 from the temple fund and NPR 200,000 each from Pulha Pulatsya Annakshetra and the Radha Krishna Temple. The total estimated cost of the project is NPR 3 million, and a local construction company has taken on the contract for NPR 2.4 million.
The project aims to enhance the appeal of Galeshwar, considered the gateway to Muktinath a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Planned improvements include laying slate stone paths from the Galeshwar bus park through the temple area to the Rahughat riverbank, as well as placing decorative flower pots along the paths.
To preserve the newly laid stone paths, public transportation within the market will be rerouted to the Kaligandaki Corridor road outside the town. However, the design allows for limited access for delivery vehicles carrying construction and consumer goods, ensuring functionality without damaging the paths.
Fund Chairperson Madhav Prasad Regmi reported that from mid-July to mid-March, the temple collected NPR 6.6 million in offerings and other income, spent NPR 4 million, and saved around NPR 2.6 million. Last year, using donations, the fund also supported the construction of a hall at the senior citizens’ residence with a budget of NPR 1.2 million.
Perched on a massive rock near the Kaligandaki River and covering nine ropani (approximately 1.15 acres), the Galeshwar Temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees and grant spiritual merit. According to Hindu mythology, the site is named after the goddess Sati’s throat (“gala”) is said to have fallen there. The temple sees large crowds during special occasions like Mondays in the month of Shrawan, Balachaturdashi, and the Shivaratri festival.
