A grand Shrimad Bhagwat Gyan Mahayagya (spiritual festival) commenced today in Sunakothi, Lalitpur, aimed at supporting the reconstruction of the historic Bhringreshwor Mahadev Temple. The event, organized in the temple’s premises, falls under Lalitpur Metropolitan City Wards 26 and 27, as informed by Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan.
During the inauguration, Mayor Maharjan highlighted the city’s policy of restoring temples and heritage sites from the Licchavi and Malla periods in their original styles. He confirmed that the Bhringreshwor Mahadev Temple will be reconstructed accordingly.
“We are committed to preserving the historical significance of this temple. We will ensure that the architectural heritage from the Licchavi and Malla eras remains intact, keeping our cultural and archaeological values alive,” said Mayor Maharjan. He further expressed confidence that the Mahayagya would play a crucial role in promoting the religious and tourism significance of the area while raising funds for the temple’s reconstruction.
After the Mahayagya, the construction of the temple and surrounding sacred site will begin. Mayor Maharjan reassured the public that there would be no shortage of funds for rebuilding the historic heritage.
Pandit Dinbandhu Pokhrel, the spiritual leader delivering discourses during the event, emphasized the global recognition Nepal holds for spiritual practices. He urged all Nepalis to embrace spirituality as a means to guide the world toward peace. Pandit Pokhrel also called for the international development of Sunakothi’s Bhringreshwor area as a spiritual and religious tourist hub, leveraging its rich historical background.
Ward 27 Chairperson Krishnahari Maharjan echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Mahayagya would further reveal the identity of Sunakothi and promote its historical importance. He assured that necessary coordination and support would be provided to make this vision a reality.
According to Ram Chandra Maharjan, Chairperson of the Bhringreshwor Improvement and Buddha Service Committee, daily activities during the Mahayagya include an hour of yoga from 5:30 AM, followed by an hour of Mandap Pooja at 6:30 AM, and three hours of Shrimad Bhagwat and Gita recitations from 7:30 AM.
The original Bhringreshwor Mahadev Temple, built in ancient times, was destroyed by the 1934 earthquake, and it has not been rebuilt in its traditional style since. With support from the Metropolitan City, plans for reconstruction in the old style are moving forward, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) process already underway.
Vice Chairperson of the committee, Beli Dangol, emphasized the need to restore the Bhringreshwor Mahadev Temple to its original form and better organize other temples in the complex. These include the Bal Kumari Tripurasundari Temple, Jagannath Temple, Ganesh Temple, and a Dharamshala where hymns in praise of Bhringreshwor Mahadev are sung. Some of the heritage structures damaged during the 2015 earthquake have already been reconstructed.
The Mahayagya is expected to bring both spiritual renewal and practical contributions to the preservation of Lalitpur’s rich heritage.
Source: RSS
