By Sailendra Rokaya
Bajhang, Dec. 21: Construction of a model temple of Khaptad area has begun at Ghodadaun of Patan, the main tourism site of Sudurpaschim Province.
Khaptad Chhanna Rural Municipality has begun the construction of Bhawani Mai temple in Pagoda style at the entry point of Khaptad.
The construction work has begun with an intention to show that a beautiful structure could be built even in a small investment at a time when rampant corruption has resulted in the construction of weak structures despite a huge investment from the government.

Ghodadaun Patan is believed to be the most beautiful place in the entire Khapatad where locals have been worshipping a stone believed to be the image of Bhawami Mai for many years.
They worshipped the stone of the open place seeking Her blessing for the remedy of their woes.
The municipality said it started building the temple to attract tourists.

Ghodadaun Patan area is one of the tourist areas of the entire nation, and we are building a temple to add beauty to this place, said Barka Bahadur Rokaya, chairman of the municipality.
The temple will be 17 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Wooden art craft reflecting the identity of local and other artistic images will be kept outside the temple, he said.

He further said that government has been allocating millions of rupees for the development of Khaptad each year but a quality work is nowhere to be seen due to irregularities, tarnishing the image of Khaptad. “So, the municipality has taken a small effort to build a temple with its own investment,” he said.

The temple area will have facilities of toilet, drinking water and waiting area. Around 50 per cent construction work of temple has completed so far, said Gajendra Bahadur Rawal, president of Temple Construction Committee.
It has allocated Rs. 1.3 million to construct all structures and some locals will contribute labour voluntarily, he said.