A massive statue of Lord Shiva is set to be installed at Ghoptedanda in Ward No. 2 of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality, Kaski. This initiative aims to develop Ghoptedanda as a prominent tourist destination, building on its religious significance as a site believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
The local Shivala Temple Management Committee has launched a tourism promotion plan, which includes not only the installation of the giant Shiva statue but also the establishment of 108 Shivalingas and a Jyotirlinga. Additionally, the temple’s roof will be covered with copper plates.
The statue, set against the backdrop of Machhapuchhre Himal, is expected to attract religious tourism and contribute to the prosperity of the Sardikhola region.
To support these plans, a religious festival, the Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapurana Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya, will be held at Gairakhel Ground from Bhadra 6 to 14.
The festival is organized under the patronage of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality, with the Ward Office of Machhapuchhre-2 serving as co-patron. Ward Chairman Ganesh Acharya emphasized that the festival, along with the Gyan Mahayagya, aims to develop Ghoptedanda into a center of religious tourism, capitalizing on its immense potential.
Various committees have been formed to ensure the successful execution of the festival. These include the promotion committee led by Krishna Prasad Gautam, the fundraising committee headed by Tekraj Acharya, and the youth and women mobilization committee led by Ram Prasad Gurung.
The secretariat is managed by Sherman Bhujel and Govinda Acharya, while the stage and kitchen management is overseen by Madhav Acharya. The guest hospitality committee is led by Punyashobha Gurung and Meera Acharya, with Raghu Nath Sanyasi managing the bhajan segment. The advisory committee includes Bambahadur Gurung, Loknath Acharya, Bhojraj Acharya, and Giridhari Acharya.
