Construction of the traditional-style temple of Goddess Balkumari has begun in Basikwa Tole, Balkot, Ward No. 2 of Suryabinayak Municipality. According to the master plan prepared for the construction of the temple, sattal (rest house), pati (traditional shelter), and other structures, the total estimated cost is NPR 35 million. To complete the reconstruction of this religious heritage, a grand religious ceremony (Mahayagya) will be organized.
At a press conference held today in the temple premises, the coordinator of the main organizing committee of the Mahayagya, Mr. Shriram Chapalchhen Shrestha, said that the Mahayagya is being organized to complete the remaining construction of the temple.
He mentioned that the stone spout, falcha (traditional rest platform), and well from the Lichhavi era had disappeared but were later restored by the family of the late Chandra Lal Chapalchhen Shrestha in 2072 BS by performing a sacred banyan-peepal tree marriage ceremony.
A temple of Shiva has also been established on the premises with idols of Kumar, Ganesh, Bhimsen, Dakshinkali, Durga, Saraswati, Vishnu, and Vishwakarma worshipped in eight small shrines. As per the plan to establish the Newar community’s revered deity, Balkumari, the temple has been set up, and every year on the 1st of Baisakh, a Balkumari chariot procession is held as part of the Bisket Jatra.
To aid in reconstruction, the municipality initially provided NPR 775,000, and the Bagmati Provincial Government contributed NPR 1.5 million. A two-story Balkumari sattal is currently under construction. The municipality has allocated NPR 1.4 million in FY 2079/80, NPR 2 million in FY 2080/81, and NPR 2.5 million in FY 2081/82. An additional NPR 1.2 million was allocated by the provincial government for the construction of religious structures. As per the project details, NPR 16.6 million is needed for artistic wooden materials, and NPR 7.3 million for brass roofing, totaling an estimated NPR 35.8 million for full completion.
To make the Mahayagya a success, a 151-member main organizing committee led by Mr. Shrestha has been formed. The Shreemad Bhagwat Saptah Gyan Mahayagya will be held from Baisakh 19 to 26. The committee aims to raise NPR 25 million through the event and plans to complete all temple structures within one year. International Bhagwat speaker Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shri Ishwar Chaitanyaji Maharaj from Vrindavan will narrate the scriptures during the Mahayagya, as stated by committee member Ravi Chapalchhen Shrestha.
