Efforts have begun to develop the Shukla Hiletar Shivalaya area in Pulchowk, Shuklagandaki Municipality–8 of Tanahun, as a religious tourism destination. The initiative aims to conserve the religiously significant site, develop essential infrastructure and promote the area to attract domestic tourists and pilgrims. The Shivalaya area is regarded as a site of religious importance, with plans underway to transform it into a well-managed pilgrimage and tourism destination.
Construction of the Dugdheswor Mahadev Temple in the Shivalaya area has resumed. The foundation, pillars and other basic structures of the temple have already been constructed, while several components of the project remain to be completed. Parshuram Bhandari, chairperson of the Shukla Hiletar Shivalaya Area Management Committee, said efforts were being made to systematically develop the area and establish it as an important religious and tourism destination. “We have set a goal of developing the Shivalaya area into a well-managed religious tourism destination with the necessary infrastructure,” Bhandari said.
Temple to Feature Shikhara-Pagoda Architecture
The Dugdheswor Mahadev Temple is planned to be constructed in a combination of Shikhara and Pagoda architectural styles. The estimated cost of the temple project is Rs. 13.7 million. The committee said it has collected Rs. 5 million so far for the construction. The amount collected has been used for the foundation, pillars and other preliminary structures of the temple.
As a significant amount is still required to complete the remaining construction, the committee has launched a fundraising campaign instead of depending entirely on government funding. The campaign is targeting local residents, devotees, well-wishers and supporters living both within Nepal and abroad. The committee has been visiting different neighborhoods to collect donations for the temple. According to Bhandari, the fundraising campaign has received encouraging support from local residents and devotees.
Detailed Development Plan Being Prepared
Alongside temple construction, preparations have begun for a Detailed Project Report (DPR) covering the overall development of the Shukla Hiletar Shivalaya area. The long-term development plan is expected to identify the infrastructure required to make the site more accessible and visitor-friendly.
The proposed plan will cover access roads, drinking water facilities, public toilets, parking areas, resting places, walking trails, landscaping and other essential services for pilgrims and tourists. The committee has emphasized the need to upgrade the road and access routes leading to the Shivalaya area. It also plans to develop necessary facilities while preserving the area’s natural surroundings and religious character.
Religious Tourism Seen as Opportunity for Local Economy
The committee believes the Shivalaya area has strong potential for religious tourism. Regular worship and religious activities, along with cultural programs, could attract pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. The development of the destination is also expected to benefit the local economy by creating opportunities for shops, hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and other tourism-related businesses.
The committee plans to place the Dugdheswor Mahadev Temple at the center of the broader development of the Shukla Hiletar Shivalaya area. Through temple construction, infrastructure development, environmental conservation and promotional activities, the initiative aims to establish the site as a prominent religious tourism destination in Tanahun.
