By Tara Chapagain, Pokhara, June 24: A 51-feet tall idol of lord Shiva has been placed at Pumdikot of Phumdibhumdi, a place popular for viewing the peaks of the Himalayas, in Pokhara Metropolitan City-22.

Chandra Kanta Baral, chief of Pumdikot Development Committee, said the main objective of establishing the idol of Shiva is to develop Pumdikot as a special touristic site. He informed that 400 million rupees has been allocated for promotion of tourism of the area and the construction is expected to be completed within five years.

Until now 20 million rupees has been spent with 40–45 per cent of the work being completed. The construction of Lord Shiva’s idol as well as 108 Shiva Lingas, 108 stairs to reach the idol, 18 rooms with rolling shutters as well as ticket counters. The stair leading to the idol also has access for the differently abled.   

Among the 22 Ropanis of land leased by the government for 30 years, five Ropanis has been used for the construction of a view tower and idol of lord Shiva. Further construction includes the Martyr Memorial Park, senior citizens meeting point, greenery Park, Sumeru Parbat, an attractive water fountain as well as a multipurpose hall. Even though the construction will take two more years the inauguration of the idol will take place by September end.

Chief Baral said that 350,000 rupees was offered by the Managing Director of Hiltank PVT. Ltd, Kamal Jain for the construction of the idol.

A sum of 62.5 million was collected by organizing Maha Yangya (great worship in front of sacred fire) for the project. The central government donated 40 million, the provincial government has donated 15 million rupees followed by Pokhara Metropolitan City 15 million rupees. Different organisations donated a sum of Rs. 15 million. A resident of Birgunj named Murlidhar Rukmagat donated 10 million rupees. Bishnu Baral who is currently in Delhi donated 5 million rupees. 12 people each donated 2.5 million with a wish to build the statue of their favourite person in the memorial park.

Likewise for the 108 Shiva Lingas donations of 225,000 rupees were made per Shiva Linga by various people.