The reconstruction of the Mukundeswari Temple in Mucchuk, Bandipur Rural Municipality-2, Tanahun, has begun. The reconstruction is being funded by the budgets received from both the Gandaki Provincial Government and the Federal Government.
A budget of Rs. 5 lakh has been allocated by the Ministry of Social Development of Gandaki Province, and Rs. 10 lakh has been allocated by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of the Federal Government for the reconstruction of the temple.
According to Sukumalal Gurung, the chairman of the temple construction committee, the temple will be built in the pagoda style.
To reach the temple, a 700-meter-long staircase has been constructed from Mucchuk village. The Bandipur Rural Municipality has spent Rs. 30 lakh on this project. The municipality had earlier allocated Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh in the current fiscal year for the project, according to Chairman Surendra Thapa.
The residents of Bandipur Rural Municipality-3 Ramkot, Bandipur Rural Municipality-2 Upper Khahare, and Lower Khahare have contributed labor for the construction of the temple. The area, which also houses the Mukundeswari Fort, is believed to have been built during the reign of the former King Raj of the Sen dynasty before the unification of Nepal. This area includes the Mukundeswari Temple, the ruins of the winter palace of King Mani Mukundasen of Palpa, the former military parade ground, wells made for water collection, and stables for horses.
According to locals, the residents had to move to the nearby hill due to a lack of water on the summit, which led to the discontinuation of regular worship at Khadga Devi. It is believed that after Khadga Devi appeared on the sword that was made by the local blacksmiths of Bandipur, worship of Mukundeswari was carried out in the name of Khadga Devi, and regular rituals were performed.
Currently, special rituals are being held with great fanfare at Baralthok, Bandipur, for Khadgamala.
