The Santaneshwor Temple in Narenapur, Banke, renowned as a religious tourism site, remains in dire need of infrastructure development. Despite an increasing number of religious tourists visiting the temple during the month of Shrawan, the area lacks essential amenities such as accessible roads, resting places for devotees, drinking water, and electricity. This has caused considerable inconvenience to visitors, according to the temple’s chief priest, Guru Yogananda Giri.
“The road to the temple is in poor condition, and there is no shelter for devotees during the rain,” said Guru Yogananda Giri. “During the hot season, we are unable to provide drinking water for the devotees who arrive after a long trek.”
Located about 30 kilometers from Nepalgunj, visitors to Santaneshwor Temple must travel approximately six kilometers on a rough jungle track by motorcycle, followed by a two-kilometer uphill hike. The temple is perched on a hilltop, and about 500 meters below, Chief Priest Giri has set up a temporary shelter with a thatched roof.
Immediate needs for the Santaneshwor area include drinking water, electricity, and a proper resting place for devotees. According to Guru Yoganand Giri, local government support for developing these infrastructures has been lacking. During Shrawan, groups of worshippers flock to the temple for collective prayers, with long lines forming daily. On Mondays, devotees from various parts of Nepal, including Banke, Bardiya, and Dang, as well as from neighboring India, visit Santaneshwor Temple.
The tradition of women and youth observing the Monday fast (Somvare Brata) and enduring the arduous journey to Santaneshwor Temple for prayers is growing. Local leader Sohanlal Yadav of Narenapur highlighted the difficulties faced due to the lack of a well-maintained road, despite the temple’s potential for tourism.
Surya Dhakal, a Member of Parliament from Banke Constituency No. 1, has expressed commitment to promoting religious tourism in Santaneshwor. He mentioned plans to create a religious tourism route connecting Bhuwar Bhawani in Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, Bageshwori in Nepalgunj, and Santaneshwor Mahadev Temple in Narenapur, with work expected to begin this fiscal year.
