A grand Haribodhani Ekadashi Mela (Fair) has been organized for the first time at Badri Narayandham, located in Ramkot, Nagarjun Municipality–7, Kathmandu. The fair, hosted by the Main Celebration Committee of the Badri Narayandham Mela, began with an overwhelming turnout of devotees early in the morning. The event marks the beginning of what is expected to become an annual spiritual and cultural celebration at this newly established pilgrimage site.
Fifth Narayan Temple in the Valley
Deen Bandhu Pokhrel, Patron and Chairperson of the Narayan Pokhrel Pratisthan, shared that the tradition of visiting the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley on Haribodhani Ekadashi has existed since ancient times. With the establishment of Badri Narayandham, he said, “a fifth Narayan temple has now been added to this revered tradition.”
Pokhrel explained that the temple was built to promote religious tourism and to provide a new spiritual destination within Nepal. “Every year, thousands of devotees travel to various sacred sites during Haribodhani Ekadashi. To preserve this spiritual culture within our own land, we have built Badri Narayandham,” he said. The temple was constructed in memory of Pandit Swami Narayan Pokhrel, a respected spiritual leader, under the initiative of the Narayan Pokhrel Foundation.
Magnificent Temple Built with Traditional Architecture
The consecration (Pran Pratishtha) ceremony of the temple was conducted from Baishakh 19 to 27 earlier this year. The holy site, spread across 22 ropanis of land, has been developed with an estimated investment of NPR 70 million (Rs 7 crore).
Designed in a combination of Pagoda and Shikhara architectural styles, the temple complex includes several additional structures such as:
- A spiritual and meditation center,
- A modern Gurukul,
- Accommodation facilities for devotees, and
- Administrative and cultural buildings to support ongoing religious activities.
According to Pokhrel, the foundation aims to make the site a center for both spiritual practice and cultural preservation.
Tribute to a Visionary Spiritual Leader
Swami Narayan Pokhrel, in whose memory the foundation was established, was known for his contributions to Nepal’s spiritual and social development. He believed that spiritual progress must go hand in hand with physical and economic development for a nation to truly prosper.
In line with his vision, the Badri Narayandham complex has been developed not only as a temple but as a multi-dimensional religious hub. Alongside the main Badri Narayan Temple, the site also houses:
- The administrative building of the Dham,
- The office of Narayan Pokhrel Foundation,
- A Yoga and Meditation Center,
- A Havan Kunda (ritual fire altar), and
- A Panchayan Temple dedicated to Ganesh, Surya, Devi, and Shiva.
A New Religious Tourism Destination for Kathmandu
With the successful organization of the first-ever Haribodhani Ekadashi Fair, Badri Narayandham is emerging as a major spiritual and tourist destination within the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees and local authorities believe that the annual event will not only strengthen religious traditions but also promote cultural unity and attract visitors from across the country.
